Conference drive with connectivity at its heart

Facilitated by tourism bureau VisitBlackpool, the town’s venues, hotels, leisure attractions and key service providers are set to work closely together to deliver what they describe as a “hassle-free and seamless” event management experience.

The new venue will able to accommodate 2,000 delegates across a 6,150 sqm footprint. It will be available to book as a standalone venue or can be integrated with the wider Winter Gardens exhibition and events venues - to which it will be directly linked - creating an overall capacity of 7,000.

Mandy Tythe-McCallum, head of Blackpool’s Business Tourism team, said: “Blackpool has enjoyed over £500m of new investment and improved infrastructure over recent years, much of which has been carefully planned to create an integrated and hassle-free experience for visitors.

“For example, we can research, negotiate and secure venues, meeting rooms and accommodation to meet every specific need and situation, regardless of how complex. We can also provide ‘rover’ tram tickets for delegates upon arrival, so they can explore the whole resort in comfort.

“This combination of new facilities, transport links and hotel stock, together with a joined-up, pragmatic approach to delivery, plus a friendly Northern welcome, is at the heart of our connectivity offer.”

In addition to the new conference and events centre, Blackpool's recent regeneration includes improved transport connectivity. Following the electrification of lines between Preston to Blackpool new quicker trains, and more direct routes from across the UK, will make the resort easier to reach from May 2018.

The expanded tram service will also link up Blackpool’s six new hotels, including a five- star development, which will add 700 premium rooms to the town’s existing stock.