Blackpool aims to be modern MICE destination
Blackpool’s plans to transform into a modern conference destination is set to get a major boost with the launch of a new connectivity initiative across the resort.
Under an initiative from VisitBlackpool, the town’s major venues, hotels, leisure attractions and key service providers are set to work closely together to deliver a hassle-free and seamless event management experience.
At the heart of the ‘connected Blackpool’ offer will be the resort’s new Conference and Exhibition Centre, which is now taking bookings from summer 2019.
The new venue will able to accommodate 2,000 delegates and will be available to book as a standalone venue or integrated with the wider Winter Gardens exhibition and events venues – to which it will be directly linked – creating an overall capacity of 7,000.
The unique nature of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens complex, which was first opened in 1878, will also be central to the new connectivity campaign.
With the addition of the new Conference and Exhibition Centre, the Winter Gardens will become a hub of 12 distinct venues, all under one roof, offering a total of 4.9 hectares of connected conference, meeting, event and exhibition space.
Improved transport connectivity will be another major element in Blackpool’s connected campaign.
Following the electrification of lines between Preston to Blackpool new quicker trains, and more direct routes from across the UK, will make the resort easier to reach from May 2018.
In parallel to improvements to the rail network, Blackpool is also extending its modern, efficient tram service. This will see visitors by train being able to transfer to a tram direct from the station, allowing quick and easy access to the resort’s major hotels, landmarks, leisure attractions, piers and seafront.
The expanded tram service will also link up Blackpool’s six new hotels, including a five- star development, which will add 700 premium rooms to the town’s existing stock.
Michael Williams, managing director of the Winter Gardens and Blackpool’s new Conference and Exhibition Centre, said: "Blackpool’s ability to facilitate partnerships and create strong links between all the resort’s venues, hotels, attractions and visitor services is something very few locations can achieve.
"VisitBlackpool’s connected philosophy also completely mirrors the way the Winter Gardens operates where every meeting room, hall or exhibition space can be utilised for different needs without delegates having to leave the complex.
"The new £25m Conference and Exhibition Centre will also be directly integrated into the wider Winter Gardens network, creating one of the UK’s most adaptable exhibition venues across nearly five acres of multi-purpose space."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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