21.11 - 2024 Global Destination Report released; Premier Events acquires PYTCH

?? Welcome back to 'In the Loop'!

Bringing you the latest developments shaping the conference and meetings industry, in this edition we cover the release of the 2024 Global Destination Report and the key learnings from IBTM World's Forum for Advocacy in addressing the critical role of business events in transforming communities.

We also report on Premier Events' acquisition of PYTCH, as well as the Association of Event Venues' latest conference success and the recent win for the West Midlands to host the 12th International Ceramics Congress in 2028.

?? The Business of Events and ICC Belfast unveil 2024 Global Destination Report

Contributors: The Business of Events, ICC Belfast | Waterfront Hall | Ulster Hall, SFA-Connect (Sarah Fleming Associates Ltd), Martin Fullard, Ross Moffett, IBTM World

The Overview: The Business of Events (TBOE), in partnership with ICC Belfast, unveiled the Global Destination Report 2024 at IBTM World. Produced with SFA Connect and IBTM World, the report highlights economic contributions, budget stability, and advocacy gaps within the global business events sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Impact: Over 50% of surveyed regions reported annual event-driven contributions exceeding €100m, with developed regions seeing figures over €5bn.
• Government Support: Advocacy gaps persist globally, with many regions urging stronger policy recognition for business events.
• Future Strategies: Recommendations include tax incentives, sustainability initiatives, and academic partnerships to boost skills and growth.

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??? IBTM World Forum for Advocacy sparks meaningful debate to drive change

Contributors: IBTM World, The Business of Events, PCMA, Sherrif Karamat, American Express Global Business Travel, Eloísa Urrutia Monnot, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Christoph Tessmar, Events Industry Council, Ana María Viscasillas, MBA, CDME, DES, CED, Barbara Jamison-Woods, London Convention Bureau, Claudia Hall

The Overview: The IBTM World Forum for Advocacy, hosted in partnership with The Business of Events (TBOE), convened 80 global leaders to discuss the societal and economic impact of business events. Held in Barcelona, the forum addressed over-tourism, sustainability, and the critical role of business events in transforming communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Insights: PCMA President Sherrif Karamat urged DMOs to become "Destination Stewards" and lobby beyond tourism ministers for better recognition of the sector.
• Global Challenges: The forum highlighted staff shortages and funding difficulties as key barriers to growth.
• Call to Action: Industry leaders, including Ana Maria Viscasillas from the Events Industry Council, emphasised the need for stronger storytelling to demonstrate business events' transformational power.

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?? Premier Events expands AV production and tech offer with acquisition of PYTCH

Contributors: Premier Events, Ben McCarthy, PYTCH | B Corp, Johnny Palmer

The Overview: Leicester-based Premier Events has acquired Bristol-based PYTCH, an event production and technology company, to strengthen its position as a fully integrated, full-service event agency. The move combines PYTCH’s tech expertise with Premier’s extensive AV capabilities, creating a unified brand under the Premier Events name.

Key Takeaways:

• Expanded Capabilities: Premier’s 30,000 AV assets and PYTCH’s technology expertise enable broader event offerings.
• Leadership Remarks: Ben McCarthy, Premier Events' MD, called the acquisition a "major milestone" for growth in 2025 and beyond.
• Legacy Integration: PYTCH founder Johnny Palmer praised the synergy, pledging continued support for the combined operation.

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? AEV success at another sell-out annual conference

Contributors: AEV Association of Event Venues Ltd, The ICC Birmingham, Shonali Devereaux (she / her), Chris Burr, Dean Van Leeuwen

The Overview: The Association of Event Venues (AEV) welcomed over 240 event professionals to its sold-out annual conference at ICC Birmingham. With the theme "20:20 vision: Experience, Educate, Engage," the conference featured thought-provoking sessions on technology, AI, and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Inspiring Keynotes: Floyd Woodrow encouraged attendees to find their "super north star," while futurist Dean van Leeuwen envisioned the next 20 years of the industry.
• Safety and Sustainability: Panels explored venue safety, technology’s role in visitor experience, and sustainable practices in the events sector.
• Community Impact: AEV director Rachel Parker praised the collaborative spirit and engagement of the venue community.

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?? West Midlands fired up by major ceramics congress win

Contributors: West Midlands Growth Company, Jon Binner, University of Birmingham, Steve Knight, The Eastside Rooms, IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining)

The Overview: The West Midlands will host the 12th International Ceramics Congress in 2028, bringing over 600 global delegates to Birmingham. The event, expected to generate over ￡1m for the local economy, was secured by the West Midlands Growth Company in collaboration with Professor Jon Binner of the University of Birmingham and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Impact: This congress will provide a significant boost to the region’s business events sector and local economy.
• Collaboration Success: Key stakeholders, including The Eastside Rooms venue and IOM3, worked together to secure the win.
• Research Synergy: The event coincides with the Midlands Industrial Ceramics Group's ￡18.27m research programme, showcasing its outcomes to global delegates.

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