Business Is Booming For Conference Winchester
The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson near Fareham made a fitting setting for the third Conference Winchester AGM last week, where proceedings started with the resounding boom of a Second World War field gun. Nicki Thackray, Functions Manager at the Royal Armouries said, "We're delighted to be hosting this important event for Conference Winchester. Gun firing is just one of the activities we offer and it's a great way to ensure that meetings start with a bang."
Addressing the AGM, Councillor George Beckett, leader of Winchester City Council and portfolio holder for economy and tourism, emphasised the importance the council places on the economic benefits of both business and leisure tourism. Talking about the achievements of Conference Winchester, he said, "Winchester City Council recognises the success of this consortium. Working together to pursue joint aims is a wonderful model that more businesses could follow. The partnership has great potential to grow over the years to come."
Presenting excellent results for the year, Diane Slater of Right Location, Conference Winchester's preferred agency, said, "It's great to see that business is booming for Conference Winchester, with enquiries up 46% on last year. Much of that business is new to the area, coming through the website and from successful promotions and client events. The value of enquiries since the venue-finding service was launched three years ago now stands at over £850,000, and we're all looking forward to passing the million pound mark very soon."
Guests from the Conference Winchester consortium of venues attended the AGM, including representatives from hotels and conference centres like Norton Park, the Winchester Royal Hotel, the Wessex Conference Centre and Hotel du Vin, as well as some of the more unusual venues such as Winchester City Museum.
Attendees finished the day on a high with a glass of champagne and a piece of cake to celebrate the consortium's achievements. They also had the chance to look around the beautifully restored Victorian fort and take in spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour and the Meon Valley.
To receive a brochure or find out about Conference Winchester's free venue-finding service:
telephone 0870 744 7022
e-mail: enquiries@conferencewinchester.org.uk