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