Following the success of last year’s initiative raising awareness about the meetings industry, VisitBritain is launching this year's National Meetings Week (NMW) campaign activity next month.

Alongside the national public relations campaign, it will also focus upon a series of concentrated regional events around the country.

The 2008 activity will also include a MP support programme, alongside a call for celebrity endorsement, as well as a targeted campaign for high-profile businesses to get involved.

The theme for this year's campaign will focus on the strength of the regions for their contribution to the UK business tourism market, aligning with VisitBritain's agenda and the theme for this year's Event UK show, taking place during NMW, which this year runs from 15-21 September.

“July will see the launch of this year’s NMW, which will have a particular regional focus, promoting the conference and event offerings available across the UK, ensuring greater exposure at a local level as well as nationally,” explained Joss Croft, head of business visits and events at VisitBritain. "There will be a number of regional events held during the week to support the national campaign, to raise the profile of regions across the UK, such as Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire which have a great deal to offer the conference and meeting organiser."

A central NMW launch event will be scheduled to take place during Event UK, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham from 16-17 September.

The new logo for NMW 08 was also revealed today together with the launch of the new NMW website, which will provide visitors information on activities taking
place throughout the week, along with information on the 2008 Supporters &
Partners.

For more details, visit www.visitbritain.com/en/bve/national-meetings-week