WEST MIDLANDS
Meet central The 2022 Commonwealth Games is about to further bolster the West Midlands’ events reputation. Lizzie Cernik reports
Venue Updata
The Commonwealth Convention Centre at Coventry Building Society Arena is a multimillion pound project featuring 1,750 sqm of space, while the new pavilion entrance to the arena (pictured below) leads the way to a further 7,750 sqm of indoor conference and exhibition space. Drapers Hall has undergone a £5 million renovation with the Historic Coventry Trust in partnership with Coventry City Council. The venue features three event spaces including a ballroom with standing space for 250 people. The Exchange Building in Centenary Square opened in Birmingham in 2021. A renovation of the former Municipal Bank, it boasts a wide range of fresh event spaces.
The West Midlands events sector is worth £2.3bn
L ocated in the heart of the country, the West Midlands is one of the UK’s most convenient and accessible spots for business events. The 2022 Commonwealth Games takes place in Birmingham in July, and the entire region has benefited from the buzz that’s come with the event. According to Steve Knight, senior business tourismmanager of the West Midlands Growth Company, it’s a once in a generation opportunity that will put the region firmly on the map as a leader for business tourism and international events. “Conference venues in the region, such as Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, have undergone renovations and development ready for the Games, as well as a wealth of new restaurants have opened up across the region for conference delegates to experience during their stay in the region,” Knight explains. “The MICE sector is worth £2.3 billion in Birmingham and the West Midlands, and we hope to see that growth continue.” For the convention bureau, an important legacy of hosting the Games has been the launch of the Conference Ambassador Network, which will see regional leaders from academia and business join forces to champion the West Midlands and their own work to win new conferences and events. “Birmingham provides a strong
proposition to international event organisers in terms of its range of venues, the variety of accommodation available and its connectivity,” says Donna Cunningham, conventions sales director at NEC Group. “The NEC Group delivers global business tourism events to the city, often through collaboration and support from sector experts. This initiative will consolidate and build on this work.” In addition to the Games, the region will also play host to the Volunteer Expo in May, the World Congress on Railway Research in June and the Conservative Party Conference
Below: The Eastside Rooms
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