The Importance of Commercial Conferences
The Annual Conference Awards will be held at The QEIICC on Friday this week. Sue Etherington, Commercial Director discusses commercial conferences and their importance to the industry.
Commercial conferences are classed as events which generate revenue either through delegate fees or sponsorship. Over 15 percent of events held at The QEIICC last year were commercial conferences, and we estimate that they brought over £1 million to the Centre. This area is an important, but often overlooked part of our industry – the existing awards, publications and associations have tended to focus on corporate and association events. Launched in 2010, The Conference Awards is the only such event for the commercial conference and events industry, so we are proud to support them with our headline sponsorship – this is an important occasion which brings unparalleled recognition for the teams and individuals behind these key events.
The judging panel consists of market experts and practitioners who have genuine expertise in the conference and events industry. It includes David Gilbertson – Chief Executive Officer, Emap, Peter Rigby – Chief Executive Officer, Informa Group and Ruth Carter – Chief Executive Officer, UBM Conferences. The event will be attended by over 500 executives and be hosted by The Right Honourable Michael Portillo – so it promises to be a great afternoon of networking and celebration.
So on behalf of everyone at The QEIICC, I would like to wish all the companies shortlisted the very best of luck!