• September 17, 2021

Northern Ireland unveils £1m conference support scheme

Northern Ireland unveils £1m conference support scheme

Northern Ireland unveils £1m conference support scheme 899 600 micebook.

Northern Ireland’s Department for Economy has announced a £1 million conference support scheme to help secure more business events in Belfast, Derry, and the region.

The scheme will provide conference organisers with £50 for each out-of-state delegate to bring their association conference to the region, with awards ranging between £5,000 and £100,000 for all eligible events.

Open to not-for-profit associations and organisations, bringing at least 100 out-of-state delegates, applications for conferences taking place from 2022-2030 are now open. The scheme is funded by Tourism Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Derry and Strabane District Council and delivered by Visit Belfast and Visit Derry.

The Northern Ireland Executive gave the go-ahead for conferences and exhibitions to resume on 16 August.

“In 2019, conferences in Northern Ireland delivered £27.5 million to the local economy and brought a wide range of benefits including jobs, inward investment and knowledge exchange,” Northern Ireland Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said.

“This scheme will provide much-needed support for the conference and events sector as it contributes to rebuilding the tourism economy and we very much look forward to welcoming conference delegates back to our vibrant towns and cities.”

Eimear Callaghan, Business Solutions Manager at Tourism NI, added: “This scheme will be a critical tool in helping to support event organisers plan and deliver in-person conferences within Northern Ireland and support recovery as we open for business. Conferences and meetings are crucially important for Northern Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming back delegates to experience all that the region has to offer.”

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