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Excellent Exhibition

Press Release - February 2008

Thousands of location planners and conference buyers from across the globe saw just how good Southport is as a top destination for business tourism.

The resort had a substantial presence at one of the UK's biggest business tourism exhibitions - International Confex, recently held at Earls Court in London.

Sefton Council's Business Tourism sales team along with representatives from Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, which is currently undergoing a £40 million phased investment programme, the resort's first boutique hotel - The Vincent, Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, Aintree Racecourse and the Scarisbrick and Royal Clifton hotels all attended the prestigious event. Their aim was to promote the resort to other conference buyers.

Visitors to the Southport stand also enjoyed cocktail demonstrations from the Scarisbrick Hotel's Maloney's bar manager, Paul Drewery. They were able to enter a competition to name a special Southport cocktail created especially for the event with the winners scooping two tickets to Aintree's May meeting including overnight accommodation in Southport.

During 2008, a large number of major conferences are already booked in at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre with organisations like ROOTS (Salvation Army), Rotary International, National Union of Journalists. Fire Brigade Union, International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and the National Childminding Association all using the great facilities.

Conference and Corporate Sales Manager, Maxine McCarthy, said: "Every year we aim to take our presence at Confex to another level and at this year's event we attracted more people than ever who came along to talk to us about opportunities for the future.

"It is envisaged more than £310 million worth of new business could be created by attending this year's event.

"Business tourism is currently worth around £70 million a year to Southport so it is very important that we build on our success and spread the word about our improved ability to host conferences and exhibitions of all shapes and sizes.

"The incredible amount of investment from both the public and private sector in the resort's infrastructure and accommodation has made Southport an even better destination in this lucrative market place.

"Business tourism is a growing sector we are keen to capitalise on especially during European Capital of Culture Year when Sefton and Merseyside as a whole is seen on a global map."

For more details on business tourism in Southport visit www.southportconferences.com