Following a pandemic shutdown ACC Liverpool on Liverpool waterfront secures 19 global conferences. Tony McDonough reports
ACC Liverpool has bounced back from the dark days of the pandemic and says its has secured 19 global conferences that will take place over the next few years.
Opening in 2008, the ACC Liverpool complex now includes Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the M&S Bank Arena and the Pullman Hotel. It is wholly owned by Liverpool City Council but runs as a standalone business.
Over the next few years global conferences already confirmed include The European Calcified Tissue Society, the European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology and the Royal College of Psychiatrists International Congress. They take place in April, May and July 2023.
Adrian Evans, director of conference and exhibition sales at ACC Liverpool, said: “The international association sector was the most impacted by the pandemic, with all events at best postponed in 2020 and 2021.
“ACC Liverpool is one of the main drivers of economic impact for local and regional businesses, with a wider reaching economic benefit than just the conference itself.
“One of our key focuses is to rebuild confidence within this sector, it is therefore really encouraging to see major international organisations choosing Liverpool to host their conferences.”
The city’s Club Liverpool Ambassador Programme, a network of Liverpool academics and professionals, remains a driver of key international conferences. It is supported by Professor Ray Clarke, president elect of ESPO.
He said: “It has been a comprehensive process over the past eight years to bring our conference to Liverpool, having just missed out on our initial bid then rescheduling our event from 2020 due to the pandemic.
“It will be the first time we’ve met face to face in five years when we head to Liverpool in May next year. We have received huge support from the city, Club Liverpool and ACC Liverpool to finally get us to this stage and we are very much looking forward to coming to the city.”
Event organisers receive a package of support, not just from the venue but across the city via Liverpool Convention Bureau. It can provide accommodation, delegate welcomes, introductions to business networks and other venues to enhance their event.
LBN revealed in October that the Labour Party Conference will return to ACC Liverpool in 2023. This year the event generated an estimated £20m in revenue for the city centre. In May the venue will also host the Eurovision Song Contest.
Jennifer Jensen, head of business tourism at Marketing Liverpool, added: “International conferences in particular appreciate the citywide support we are able to give.
“It is about the full city experience – from travel into the city, to welcomes, to accommodation – which sets us apart from other destinations.”