ACC Liverpool Newsletter May 2012

ACC LIVERPOOL LATEST >> Keeping you up to date with news, events and initiatives from ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4

Liverpool hosted the year’s biggest street theatre spectacle - and ACC Liverpool was lucky to be at the centre of this Giant Spectacular.

Sea Odyssey saw three giant puppets – a 30ft tall Little Girl Giant, her uncle, a 50ft diver, and a 9ft dog Xolo – take to the streets to commemorate 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic.

Around 600,000 people descended on the city to watch this amazing event, which boosted the local economy to the tune of a massive £12 million. ACC

WALKING WITH GIANTS

Liverpool was at the heart of the activity, which took place between 20 – 22 April, welcoming thousands of people to the surrounding area.

Crew from Royal de Luxe, creators of the marionettes, rested at the venue in between shifts controlling the puppets. During the weekend, ACC Liverpool’s sales team invited clients and their families to a fam trip to witness Sea Odyssey, tour BT Convention Centre

WELCOME...

and Echo Arena and experience the city at its most vibrant.

Bob Prattey, CEO, ACC Liverpool.

The first half of 2012 has shaped up to be another

Liverpool was entertained by a trio of giant puppets

bumper period and we’ve welcomed delegates

in April who took to the city for Sea Odyssey,

from all over the world to ACC Liverpool.

commemorating 100 years since the sinking of the

Bob Prattey, Chief Executive of ACC Liverpool, said: “Sea Odyssey was a magnificent opportunity to showcase the sort of epic events that Liverpool hosts so well.

Titanic. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked In February, some 3,000 international delegates

to the waterfront to witness the giants in all their

from 125 countries attended the summit of the

glory as part of their spectacular three-day tour of

Global Entrepreneurship Congress at our venue,

the city.

“ACC Liverpool was honoured to be at the centre of many of the activities, from the giants being reunited on Kings Dock – which will become the location for

where they were able to hear from a high-profile cast of speakers including Sir Richard Branson and

With the International Bible Student’s Association,

Lord Michael Heseltine.

the International and European Association

our new exhibition centre – to the farewell parade witnessed by tens of thousands of people from the waterfront outside of our venue.

Congress and the 15th International Handbell We hosted BBC Worldwide Showcase in March,

Symposium just some of the organisations heading

welcoming 640 international TV buyers, which

to ACC Liverpool, 2012 promises to be another

came to ACC Liverpool for the first time in the

fantastic year for us and for destination Liverpool.

“Sea Odyssey has left a fantastic buzz in the city and its positive legacy will continue well into the future.”

event’s 36 year history.

To see more amazing photos from Sea Odyssey, visit www.accliverpool.co.uk

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ACC LIVERPOOL NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 3

ACC LIVERPOOL LATEST

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONGRESS HAILED A SUCCESS The main summit day of Europe’s first Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), held at ACC Liverpool in March, generated £560k for the city’s economy.

Around 3,000 international delegates from 125 countries attended the main day’s event to hear from a high-profile cast of speakers including Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Michael Heseltine, dotcom pioneer Martha Lane Fox and Sir Terry Leahy, former Tesco CEO.

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress proved to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that Liverpool has to offer to a worldwide audience of business people and budding entrepreneurs.

We were delighted to host the main event which alone generated significant economic impact for the city through accommodation bookings and delegates’ spend.

Aside from the positive monetary value, the profile afforded to the city on 13 March due to the arrival of key speakers such as Sir Richard Branson and Lord Michael Heseltine should not be underestimated.

twitterchatter They’re experts at talking the talk – here our sales team keep their updates short and sweet Twitter style.

Sir Richard Branson at ACC Liverpool An online survey carried out with delegates revealed that the main day was regarded as “inspirational” and Liverpool is seen as an “entrepreneurial” city.

Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, who with the Kauffman Foundation hosted GEC, added: “Liverpool’s GEC proved to be the largest event of its kind ever to be held anywhere in the world and it was a

resounding success. We have created a real legacy for the city while raising the bar for future GEC host cities.

“Our GEC clearly established Liverpool on the entrepreneurial map and demonstrated once again that the city can successfully host world class events, because of our mix of venues, hotels and attractions.”

of 2010, consists of The ACC Liverpool Affiliates Programme, launched at the beginning They share our field. their in experts are who s 30 experienced and talented individual offer. we g everythin about word the spread and passion for ACC Liverpool Kerrin MacPhie Director of Sales

NAME: Michael HOW IS BUSINESS? 2012 is set to be another good year with our client profile getting even bigger.

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU FINDING IN 2012?

That the corporate events industry is feeling squeezed out of London.

WHY IS THIS? One word – Olympics. Accommodation, costs, accessibility and transport are all causing concern.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CORPORATE EVENTS? We’re here to help. We offer tailor made packages, are in a fantastic location, two hours from London, and can turn corporate events around at short notice.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE? Whether you are a corporate client or an association, come and talk to us – we’re here to take any pressure off.

Foreman

COMPANY: Kenes UK POSITION: Managing Director WHAT IS THE APPEAL OF ACC LIVERPOOL TO THE MEDICAL EVENTS SECTOR? Destinations like Liverpool offer a balance which includes an attractive package of great conference facilities and activities in the city and region. Liverpool is a growing, recognised centre for medical research. The huge strides that the venue and Liverpool have made in a short time has enthused the local ambassadors to bid for meetings. This is great news for PCOs like us specialising in the medical sector, where there is so much potential and so much work being done locally. It’s a real driver for delegates.

WHAT ARE THE EMERGING TRENDS FOR LARGE SCALE EVENTS? We have seen that, despite the financial doom and gloom surrounding us, large medical meetings have consistently continued to grow and thrive. We hope that this continues. However, now more than ever, these large scale events must provide clear value and benefits to delegates.

IN THREE WORDS - WHY ACC LIVERPOOL? Flexibility - Availability - Location

HOW DO YOU FORESEE THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES IN LONDON AFFECTING THE

Catch up with our sales team at this year’s Imex on the VisitEngland stand F340. We’ll also be at EIBTM in Barcelona from 27-29 November and our annual London showcase in November.

MARKET? 2012 is a great year for us at Kenes UK. I am not sure if this is due to the Olympics or to the fact that we have been able to take advantage of a growing need for our services and in some cases

shorter lead times. I am sure that London 2012 will be a huge boost for Britain and that all cities, including Liverpool, will take advantage of the improved facilities up and down the country. What is happening in the capital as a gateway for the rest of the country is a unique chance to access and showcase cities and venues.

HOW DOES ACC LIVERPOOL STAND OUT FOR YOU AND WHY? It provides the complete package. ACC Liverpool is friendly, welcoming, provides a great service, unrivalled access and very importantly a central location within the city centre. We and our delegates love the congress campus feel in Liverpool. The fact that modern, and in many cases brand new, conference facilities, hotels and tourist attractions are all in walking distance from the venue is a one-of-a-kind advantage.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE LIVERPOOL? • New, fresh, exciting • On the map • Significant conference destination

In October we’ll be at the 51st ICCA Congress in San Juan.

ACC LIVERPOOL NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 3

WWW.ACCLIVERPOOL.COM

ACC LIVERPOOL LATEST

VENUE TRANSFORMED FOR

BBC SPECTACULAR

BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world’s largest international television market hosted by a single distributor, came to ACC Liverpool for the first time in the event’s 36 year history.

Top acting talent including Sir Tom Stoppard, Hugh Bonneville, Emilia Fox, Ruth Jones, Jessica Hynes and Michael Palin took to the red carpet at BT Convention Centre.

They were joined by cast from Inside Men, Sherlock, Fades, Inspector Lynley, Bedlam and DCI Banks.

More than 640 international TV buyers headed to the venue between 26-29 February.

“We’ve had a phenomenal response to our first Showcase in Liverpool,” said Steve Macallister, President and Managing Director, Sales and Distribution, BBC Worldwide. “With a significant increase in delegates from America and Asia and many digital clients attending for the first time, we exceeded our expectations.

“We’re proud to host this flagship event for British TV exports and bring together such an impressive delegation of international buyers.”

New programmes such as Parade’s End, Attenborough’s Life Stories, Brazil with Michael Palin and Sinbad were unveiled as buyers sought out the next international hit.

Speaking after the event, Bob Prattey, Chief Executive of ACC Liverpool, said: “BBC Worldwide Showcase was a fantastic opportunity to show delegates from all over the world what ACC Liverpool and the city have to offer.

“We are proud that the team chose us as their new home for the first time in the 36 years of the event, as they were impressed by the versatility and scale of our venue, our events team and our destination.”

ACC LIVERPOOL LAUNCHES ‘KEEP CALM’ CAMPAIGN In February, we launched a ‘Keep Calm Think

“We want to reassure

ACC Liverpool’ campaign aimed at the corporate

the corporate and

events industry.

agent market sectors that

As excitement builds in London ahead of this

there are many

summer’s Olympic games, the corporate and agent

possibilities for displaced

market sectors may come up against availability,

events including here at ACC Liverpool, which is

accommodation and accessibility difficulties as they

only two hours from London, says Kerrin MacPhie,

try to arrange their events in the capital.

Director of Sales.

Our sales and marketing team have adopted the

“We hope our campaign will encourage corporates

famous caption, which was first used in 1939 by

and agents who may be looking for options for their

the Ministry of Defence as a stoic call to the British

impending events to contact us.”

public.

For more details contact helen.reid@accliverpool.com

ACC LIVERPOOL ADOPTS INDUSTRY EGUIDE ACC Liverpool has become the latest venue to

The eGuide, which is regularly updated by a working

adopt the industry recognised eGuide as part of our

group which includes ACC Liverpool’s Health and

ongoing commitment to enhance customer services.

Safety Manager Chloe Batchelor, covers 50 areas

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Perks and Privileges for Delegates We launched the ACC Liverpool Delegate Card to the industry at our London Showcase event and are already receiving positive feedback.

Valid for a year, this is given to every delegate attending a conference and is packed with offers,

including build-up and break-down, electrical

discounts and privileges across a range of bars,

The guidance document, created by members of the

installations, rigging and stand construction. It

restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout

Association of Event Venues (AEV), aims to provide

also provides useful information and guidance on

Liverpool city centre. For more details contact

consistent standards for health, safety and operations

planning, management and on-site conduct.

pamela.carroll@accliverpool.com

at UK exhibitions and conference venues.

WWW.ACCLIVERPOOL.COM

ACC LIVERPOOL NEWSLETTER | ISSUE 3

WORD ON THE WATERFRONT

Liverpool’s world-famous “ferry ‘cross the Mersey” has made National Geographic’s top 10 of the world’s finest city boat trips.

ACC Liverpool Gets

Smart With ASDA In February we launched the latest phase of our CSR strategy, which aims to link the association, corporate and agent sectors with our local community.

Some of you may have received through the post

local YMCA and as a result the retailer donated food

Cassidy, Asda Head of Colleague Communications.

our booklet ‘A Responsible Story’ which explains our

left over from product demonstrations to help 262

Peter Boyle, YMCA Project Development Officer,

plans and how we are committed to not only our own

homeless people across Merseyside.

added: “We were thrilled that ACC Liverpool

CSR but that of our clients.

“We’re delighted that we were able to give our left-

introduced us to Asda and all our members were

Asda provided a great example of this in February

over products to such a worthwhile cause, something

extremely grateful for this kind gesture. The

when it held its annual management meeting at ACC

that was made possible by ACC Liverpool and its

donations went a really long way in providing much

Liverpool. We introduced our client Asda to the

fantastic relationship with the local YMCA,” says Mark

needed food for 262 people throughout Merseyside.”

A Taste of Heathcotes

PECAN PIE RECIPE ACC Liverpool’s catering partner Heathcotes has raised the bar in the event catering industry with

NAME Zoe Ra nki POSITION Ap n prentice Chef

a modern, innovative and professional approach to catering for thousands of delegates every week.

For this issue, we asked Zoe Rankin, Apprentice Chef at Heathcotes, to create a hearty dessert recipe that you can prepare at home.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

PASTRY

PECAN FILLING

1. To make the pastry, rub flour and butter together

ingredients and mix well.

225g/8oz plain flour

3 eggs

until crumbly, add sugar then eggs and mix until it

6. Pour mixture into pastry case and bake for 10

110g/4oz caster sugar

110g/4oz brown sugar

forms a paste. Alternatively put all pastry ingredients

minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 180c/350f/

110g/4oz butter

4 tbsp golden syrup

in a food processor and mix until it forms a paste.

gas 4 and bake for further 30 minutes until top of pie is

4 egg yolks

2 tbsp rum

2. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour.

golden. Check it’s cooked by inserting wooden skewer

50g/2oz butter (melted) 3. Preheat oven to 200c/400f/gas 6.

4. Remove from fridge, roll out pastry and line a Pinch of salt

or tooth pick into pie - if done the wooden skewer will come out clean.

1 vanilla pod or 3 drops

9in/23cm cake tin with pastry

7. Leave to cool and then remove from pie dish.

of vanilla extract

5. Break the eggs in a mixing bowl and beat well, then

8. Serve with ice cream or crème fraiche. Portion using

175g/6oz pecan halves

add the sugar and beat in. Then add all remaining

a pastry ring for less waste or cut into wedges.

USEFUL CONTACTS...

For general enquiries please call 0151 703 7294.

BOB PRATTEY

TIM BANFIELD

KERRIN MACPHIE

Chief Executive

Commercial Director

Director of Sales

bob.prattey@accliverpool.com

tim.banfield@accliverpool.com

kerrin.macphie@accliverpool.com