Wales Business Events announced a five-point plan to accelerate its growing share of the global business events market on June 27.
The organization unveiled an enhanced presence at the prestigious Meetings Show 2018. Visit Wales, the tourism arm of the Welsh government, confirmed a new approach and strategy to maximize the opportunities and strengths of the destination as a business events host.
The Business Events plan comprises:
- The appointment of Heledd Williams (pictured right) into the new position of Head of Business Events to co-ordinate and lead greater visibility in the business events market place. Williams is also set to manage a raft of new industry initiatives, brand development and stakeholder engagement.
- A program of attendance at national and international shows and events across the rest of the U.K., Europe and North America.
- A coordinated approach to promoting Wales as a knowledge capital and matching business events with Wales’ economic sector strengths including manufacturing, life sciences, energy and technology.
- An education program for partners throughout the country who are looking to engage in and support the fulfillment of Wales’ ambitions in capturing a greater share of the business events market.
- Maximizing Wales’ reputation and pedigree as an events host following its successful recent hosting of global events such as the Volvo Ocean Race, UEFA Champions League Final, the NATO Summit, WOMEX and Bio Wales, one of the U.K.’s leading life sciences conferences.
“There is no question that Wales has significant potential to draw further business events to our award-winning venues and destinations, both from within the UK and internationally,” says Williams. “We are a country with a unique mix of breathtaking scenery, passionate culture and sustainably-produced food alongside burgeoning inward investment, research development and centers for innovation. An agile, innovative and connected destination with a truly global outlook. Combine this with our impeccable track record in hosting major events and it’s clear that we are fast becoming a world-recognized business events destination with a big future in this global industry.”
The Wales stand at this year’s Meetings Show at London Olympia included a wide range of Welsh business events partners from all over the country: Bespoke Wales DMC; Call of the Wild; Cambria DMC; Cardiff Airport; Celtic Manor Resort; International Convention Centre Wales; Meet in Cardiff; The Vale Resort & Hensol Castle; and Venue Cymru.
Visit Wales and partners hosted a reception on June 27 providing an opportunity to sample Welsh drinks, including Penderyn whiskey, Brecon Gin, and Welsh beers and ciders and a selection of Welsh food including Snowdownia cheese, Jones crisps, Welsh fudge, crackers and chocolate. The music of Wales–from Bryn Terfel to the Stereophonics–was played at the event.
For more info, visit visitwales.com/businessevents.
