A new regional Convention Bureau has been launched representing Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area, to target business events that have a positive economic impact and aid recovery post-pandemic.

The Bureau’s key objectives are to proactively promote region for business events, working with local partners to secure new business for the region. Building on the success of the existing Meet Bristol Convention Bureau, this new partnership will benefit local businesses who wish to attract conferences and business events, helping to boost the visitor economy for the region.

Meet Bristol & Bath will target a global audience, focussing on developing association, corporate and incentive travel business with a strong focus on developing working relationships with event planners and agents all over the world. A range of services will be available, including venue and accommodation booking, connections with local suppliers and industry specialists, together with expert knowledge and insights to support those bringing their event to the West of England.

During a pilot event in December, the concept of the two complementary city destinations, together with the surrounding countryside and nearby coast proved an attractive proposition to an international audience booking multi day events and incentive trips.

“Representing two cities with such varying offers, plus their surrounding areas is hugely beneficial and gives us a competitive edge when bidding for events. We are working hard to put plans and actions in place to aid recovery after what has been an extremely difficult year for the industry, said Amy Bramhall, Convention Bureau Manager, Meet Bristol & Bath.

New Developments in Bristol & Bath

There are also several exciting new developments planned for the region, including the YTL Arena Bristol due to open in 2023. The venue will consist of three interlinked arenas’ including a multi-purpose, flexible hall with 11,000 sqm flat floor space for exhibitions, trade shows and conventions. Plus, a 17,080-seat arena, making it the third largest arena in the UK.

The Ashton Gate Stadium Sporting Quarter Development is a proposed new development of a state of the art 4,000 capacity sports and convention centre, adjacent to their existing venue, which is currently the largest conference centre in Bristol and the surrounding areas. The development will include a four-star hotel and a new urban village development. In addition, there are more hotel rooms coming to Bristol over the next few years, including the Leonardo Hotel scheduled for 2021 and the Clayton Hotel which will have 255 bedrooms and extensive meeting space, due to open in quarter one 2022.

Bath has also welcomed the Freedom Auditorium to its conferencing offer. The impressive Auditorium offers space for up to 500 delegates, breakout space and a private mezzanine level. The experienced in-house technical team specialise in hybrid events and live streaming is provided with top of the range equipment.

There will be more opportunities to host team building and social events, including the opening of the new Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, a world first visitor attraction opening in the Spring, which will include an escape room experience for groups. Mary Shelley wrote the majority of this timeless classic whilst living in lodgings situated in Abbey Churchyard, Bath, in 1816, where the iconic Pump Room is now located.