Nottingham Conferences is spearheading a campaign to help the East Midlands capture a larger piece of the £22 billion UK business tourism industry. 

The brand representing the University of Nottingham’s conference facilities currently benefits the local economy to the tune of £61.8 million – a figure it is looking to build on by a further £2.5million this year.

Currently, almost four in 10 (37%) trips to the East Midlands is business-focused, with businesspeople spending on average a third more than tourists, using local facilities to the full, from our bars and restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions to our taxi drivers.

The events industry also employs over 22,500 people across the county. Business visitors also provide out-of-season tourism boosts and are also more likely to return with family than leisure guests as a result of their experience.

The latest UK Conference Market Survey currently ranks Nottingham sixth in the UK for association events, ahead of cities such as Glasgow and Liverpool, and 10th for corporate events. This is the first time that Nottingham has entered the top 10, indicating its increase in prominence as an events destination.

“Nottingham is fast becoming one of the most progressive cities in Europe for the conference and events market,” said Kirstie Danzey, marketing manager at Nottingham Conferences. “Our vision for the Nottingham Conferences brand is to be first choice for people booking venues in Nottingham, representing our unique university venues and outstanding support businesses.

“We have dozens of landmark venues that bring in thousands of visitors to the city every year, from the East Midlands Conference Centre to the Jubilee Campus,” continued Danzey. “Nottingham has a great location within the UK, easily accessible by plane, train and car.”