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Conference Update. Presented by: Jane Seddon Director of Tourism. Conference Guide. 7,500 ‘New’ Conference Guides have been printed. The guide has a two years shelf life and was launched at the National Venue Show on the 25 th September.
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Conference Update Presented by: Jane Seddon Director of Tourism Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conference Guide • 7,500 ‘New’ Conference Guides have been printed. • The guide has a two years shelf life and was launched at the National Venue Show on the 25th September. • A downloadable guide from the website is also being addressed. • First joint guide produced in collaboration with the L&BTB Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conference Guide Cont… • Focus of the guide is very much about ‘Destination Sell’, promoting a different look and feel to conference guides produced in previous years. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conference Website • The new conference website is now ‘live’ and has been developed in line with the conference guide. • Several new features have been incorporated such as, request for proposal links (in line with rival destinations). • Website was also launched at the National Venue Show on the 25th September 2007. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conference Website cont… • To view the website please look at the following link: www.lancashireandblackpoolconference.com Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Information Management Systems • A ‘New’ Chaser system has been purchased. • This can be accessed by both Lancashire and Blackpool conference teams and allows one set of ‘accurate’ reports to be produced for the destination. • Purpose of the new system is to ensure the conference organiser is not confused by there being two conference desks. • Two 0845 numbers have also been purchased allowing both offices to take conference enquiries. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conference Accommodation • The Conference Team will have purchased a new ConferenceBookings system and will be responsible for delegate accommodation from 1st November 2007 • Recently appointed an Accommodation Booking Assistant • Great gains have been made since September 2006 in relation to the service provided such as online bookings, production of accommodation booking forms. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conference Accommodation • Ensures accredited hotels ‘ONLY’ are being promoted (Quality). • All Conference organisers wanting to benefit from ‘Subvention’ at the Winter Gardens will be able to do so under the proviso they use this service. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Exhibitions • The Conference team recently exhibited at the National Venue Show along with a number of stand partners. • Both the conference guide and the website was launched there in order to ensure conference buyers understand change is happening, in the hope of generating ‘new’ business. • The Conference Team will also be exhibiting at Confex in February 2008 – This is a key Business Tourism show and will provide the team with an excellent platform to promote a new ‘vision’ for Blackpool message. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Sales Campaign • To commence 15th October 2007. • Aim to target ‘new’ business within both the corporate and association markets. • Ensure the Winter Gardens is heavily promoted but not to the detriment to the rest of the town. • Use e-marketing in order to promote the destination. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Ambassador Programme • The team are hoping to launch a Lancashire and Blackpool Ambassador programme early 2008. • This project is time intensive and relies on research. • Promotional material is also required to ensure the success of the project. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Revenue • The Conference team generated approximately £40,000 in relation to the production of the new conference guide. • Venue Location Service (VLS) is working well and to date there is over £7,500 commission on the books. • The teams promotion of the Accommodation Booking Service has also generated over £20,000 commission for the department. • Income is also generated via other opportunities such as exhibition stand partners. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board • Over the past 15 months the teams has built a stronger relationship with the LBTB. • Ensuring that Blackpool leads on Business Tourism. • Represent Blackpool within the region at NWDA and North West Conference Research Unit meetings. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Conservative Party Conference • Debrief to take place in November but feedback to date good. • Talks to commence in relation to the possibility of Blackpool hosting ‘Spring’ conferences during the next four years. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference
Letters of Support • To be included in Future bid documents. • Letters from both the T&R portfolio holder and the Mayor. Produced by Natalie Wyatt - Head of Conference