Clever use of events by convention bureau VisitBrighton is putting the British city on the business tourism map.

Exploiting an exclusive opportunity the bureau enjoys in being able to use the unique and prestigious House of Lords in Westminster, London as a venue – through Lord Bassam of Brighton – it is hosting an exclusive lunch there on Friday 15 December to promote the city as an event destination. Fifty major associations will be represented at the event, including the British Association of Psycho Pharmacology, the British Neuroscience Association, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the College of Emergency Medicine.

“This is a great opportunity for the key association figures in the industry to come together in a unique and exclusive venue,” said VisitBrighton sales manager Serena Castiglione.

This is one of a series of annual events VisitBrighton has held over a number of years. In fact, so successful has it proved recently, that since last year it has been held twice yearly. The events provide the chance for the convention bureau to meet people and major associations who have not been to Brighton in the last five years. The British Psychological Society attended the June 2006 conference and has now booked a 500-person event in the city.

“VisitBrighton’s remit is to bring large associations to the city and to promote it as a key conference destination,” explained marketing manager Nick Vowles. “The point of this event is to bring new associations to an exclusive and luxurious venue and to tell them about why Brighton is so great as a conference destination. We have a detailed and substantial database, and we highlighted new large-value associations. We are winning business and interest using these type of events, which makes them worthwhile.”

VisitBrighton’s live marketing portfolio also includes attending key events industry shows IMEX and Confex, as well as offering familiarisation trips that provide companies and associations with an exclusive opportunity to experience first hand what the city has to offer from an events and entertainment perspective.