Convention Bureau Italia hosted its first Italy at Hand International event in the UK last week, bringing together top UK buyers for an evening of networking, idea exchanges and hospitality at Nolita Social in the Bvlgari Hotel London.

Buyers from agencies including Eventful, Identity, Live Group, Pure Communications Group, Principal Global Events and many more met with Convention Bureau Italia’s director Tobia Salvadori and international relations manager Cristina Grumeza.

Salvadori shared how Italy has rapidly climbed up the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) rankings in recent years to become to the top destination in Europe for congresses and conventions hosted in 2023 – thanks in large part to the work of Convention Bureau Italia and representing a milestone for the destination.

Convention Bureau Italia was joined by 15 partners representing a range of hotels, venues and regions in Italy. These were: Allianz MiCo – Milano Convention Centre; Barcelo Hotel Group Italia; Italian Hospitality Collection; J&TI Events; Marriott International Milan, Rome & Sicily; MiCodmc; Roma Convention Center; Eur SpA; TERRAEVENTS; VisitPiemonte; Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi; Starhotels Savoia Excelsior Palace; Starhotels Echo; Trenitalia; and Castelfalfi.

Russell Allen, founder and CEO of Crescendo, was invited to open the event by sharing his personal and professional experiences and passion for the destination.

Italy at Hand International is Convention Bureau Italia’s project aimed at promoting Italy in major international destinations. As part of this project, Convention Bureau Italia has organised its events in Paris, Lyon, New York, Toronto, Minneapolis, Munich, Frankfurt, and finally, London, all in 2024.

Through these events, Convention Bureau Italia’s goal is to act as a gateway to Italy, enabling the best international event organizers to familiarise themselves with and stay updated on the top destinations, locations, and agencies in Italy.

These events build on the annual Italy at Hand Event, the sixth edition of which will take place in Torino, Piemonte on 11-13 December.

Buyers can find our more and apply for a hosted buyer place here

Check out some of the photo highlights from Italy at Hand in London