National Meetings Week 2006, which highlights the benefits of companies using events as a business tool, staff motivator and communications medium, will take place from the 2 to 6 October. The initiative will also emphasise the economic importance of the £11.7 billion events industry to the UK.

For the first time, National Meetings Week is working in partnership with VisitBritain, underlining the importance of the events industry at a national level. Other partner supporters already signed up include leading industry organisations, the InterContinental Hotels Group, Business Tourism Partnership, Visit London, ExCeL London, Novotel London West and the Meetings Industry Association.

“We’re delighted to be involved with this worthwhile initiative,” commented Joss Croft, head of business visits and events at VisitBritain. “Meetings and events are a significant aspect of the UK tourism industry and it is high time we showed that we value the contribution they make on a national level.”

Meanwhile, Martin Lewis, managing director of CAT Publications, which created and organises National Meetings Week, commented: “This year’s week will be bigger than ever. We’ve already got some fantastic support, and having VisitBritain on board is a real boost. We welcome enquiries from leading industry figures and key brands interested in participating in something that we strongly believe will achieve nationwide recognition.”

Those interested in participating in National Meetings Week are invited to contact Martin Lewis at CAT Publications on +44 (0) 1342 306701, or email mlewis@cat-publications.com