ACC Liverpool, home of the BT Convention Centre, is named 'best UK venue'
_tcm81-117195.jpg "Logos of the Arena & Convention Centre at Liverpool's Kings Dock")
(Originally released: 22/02/08)
ACC Liverpool has been named the 'Best UK Venue' at Europe's largest convention for event organisers.
Judges at International Confex, held each February at Earl's Court in London, bestowed the accolade on the brand-new £164million waterfront venue, adding: 'This is a venue worthy of the claim: Capital of Conference.'
It is a huge coup for the team behind the BT Convention Centre - where ACC Liverpool's conferences will be held - ahead of the very first delegates being welcomed to the facility this month.
More than 15,000 people, including event organisers and buyers from across the globe, attend International Confex each year to compare and select new venues and services, making it the biggest convention of its kind in Europe.
The judges said of ACC Liverpool, home of the BT Convention Centre:
"This is a venue that has grabbed headlines since the turn of the year. It is a 21st century green, sustainable venue - a shining example of best practice. A venue worthy of the claim: Capital of conferencing."
Warren Bradley, Liverpool City Council Leader, said:
"This is a fantastic accolade which demonstrates yet again the impact ACC Liverpool is having on the city. It is a huge vote of confidence for the talented and hard-working team behind the BT Convention Centre, as well as for Liverpool itself."
Jacquie Rogers, BT Convention Centre General Manager, said:
"To be named Best UK Venue in our inaugural year really is overwhelming. The accolade is a reflection, not just of our magnificent, cutting-edge building, but also the phenomenal efforts of the convention centre team working behind the scenes.
"We have attracted some of the highest-profile organisations in the country to the BT Convention Centre - from the Liberal Democrats to the Royal College of Nursing and the British Chambers of Commerce.
"What's even more encouraging is that organisations aren't just booking for 2008 during Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture - the TUC is just one example of an organisation which we'll be hosting in 2009. If ever there was proof of the legacy of this year, then ACC Liverpool is it."
ACC Liverpool also won the accolade of 'Best Marketing Campaign' at Confex. This was for pre-show teaser campaign called 'Let The Show Begin' - which used a combination of digital media and other innovative touches including the presence of a magician at the event, who entertained potential clients.
The BT Convention Centre will host the majority of ACC Liverpool's conferences and houses 1,350 seats, a 3725 sq metre multi-purpose hall and 18 further meeting rooms offering complete flexibility. Total exhibition space is in excess of 7000 sq metres. The adjoining Echo Arena Liverpool has 10,600 seats and hosts major entertainment and sporting events.
Emma Blackman, ACC Liverpool's Head of Marketing, added:
"Receiving the 'Best Marketing Campaign' title is a huge honour for us, simply due to the competition at an event like International Confex. There were hundreds of exhibitors at the event - so we must have got it right!"
ACC Liverpool's partners are Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision, English Partnerships, the European Objective One programme and the North West Regional Development Agency.