The ACC Liverpool Group showcased its new venue Exhibition Centre Liverpool at a launch event last week, as it announced it has generated £1bn in economic impact since opening in 2008.
Around 800 guests, including clients and stakeholders, were welcomed to Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the latest addition to The ACC Liverpool Group’s family of venues.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson announced during the launch that The ACC Liverpool Group has generated £1bn in economic benefit for the city region.
He said:
“The ACC Liverpool Group’s incredible success is proof of how our city can succeed when we show ambition and invest in our future. The new exhibition centre will be a brand new asset to support our visitor economy, creating jobs, attracting visitors, boosting leisure attractions and, crucially, putting Liverpool exactly where it belongs – in the centre of the world map.”
Guests gathered in the venue to watch a spectacular opening sequence which included actor and radio star Craig Charles DJ-ing on the back of a truck, gymnastic and acrobatic displays and a flash mob performed by staff.
Production was designed and delivered by The ACC Liverpool Group’s in-house team with sound, lighting, animation, image mapping, wall projections and opening video content all designed and produced by the creative services and technical department.
Guests dined on mezze deli boards, Moroccan platters and the finest English seafood delivered by The ACC Liverpool Group’s catering and hospitality partner Centerplate. A Chef’s Table area set up in the venue’s innovative tasting kitchen enabled guests to experience examples of their fine dining dishes including ginger infused beef, carpaccio-style seared tuna and chunky roasted Thai style squash.
An expo train and tuks tuks provided transport so that guests could explore the entire estate of Exhibition Centre Liverpool including the halls and external event areas.
Bob Prattey, chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, said:
“Our launch event provided us with the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the new building and of our staff.
“It was important for us to highlight how event organisers can stage exhibitions, conferences, sporting events and concerts, thanks to the design and flexibility of Exhibition Centre Liverpool and its integration into the arena and convention centre.
“Expanding our venue will enable us to bring more high profile events into Liverpool and in turn generate more economic impact into the city region.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from our many valued suppliers and service partners who, together with our own skills and expertise, enabled us to deliver a memorable opening event to herald the latest step in the development of The ACC Liverpool Group.”
Exhibition Centre Liverpool can host trade and consumer exhibitions; large national and international conferences; banquets; concerts and global sporting events. The venue features three prinicipal halls, a glazed atrium with spectacular waterfront views as well as cafes, a plethora of flexible meeting rooms and a box office.
It includes an integrated four-star 216-room Pullman hotel which opens in January.