CHS Birmingham launches for the first time on 26th October with the full support of WMGC, and the joint objective of attracting more events into the city. WMGC, the region’s investment and tourism promotion agency, will support the show’s hosted buyer programme, accommodation hub and Welcome Reception. It will also provide hosting for media at the event.
The two-year deal represents a desire to bring more conferences and exhibitions to the city, and to position the region as one of the most vibrant events hubs in the country. CHS Birmingham debuts in the city at the ICC Birmingham, and will work with businesses across the tourism, hospitality and events sector. WMGC will also host a destination hub to give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the region, its future, new products, and the role of the Commonwealth Games, which comes to Birmingham in 2022.
The West Midlands attracts the highest proportion of business visits in the UK. The most recent British Meetings & Events Industry Survey ranked Birmingham as the most popular location for conferencing and events outside London. Coventry also appeared in the top 10 favourite conference destinations and Stratford-upon-Avon and Wolverhampton featured in the top 50.
Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager at WMGC, said:
“This is a real legacy opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands, and an event which we want to see grow here.
“The city is an established, natural home for meetings and conferences, with a strong events heritage and a very exciting future. Birmingham deserves its own exhibition, and we look forward to supporting CHS to deliver an amazing experience for delegates, during both the show and the Meetings and Events Industry Week.”
Emma Cartmell, CHS Group CEO, added:
“We’ve always enjoyed strong destination support from our shows and are delighted to have the backing of the West Midlands Growth Company. We’ve had an amazing welcome, and phenomenal support, from the industry across the region. I’m personally looking forward to greeting all of our visitors, who will have the opportunity to network, learn and do business, and I’m delighted that West Midlands Growth Company shares our vision for the show.”