WELCOME TO THE CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR NETWORK
The Birmingham and West Midlands Conference Ambassador Network has been created as a platform for the region’s greatest minds and leaders to work together in pursuit of a common goal – together we CAN contribute to our ongoing economic growth and reinforce our international reputation for excellence in academic research and business.
THANK YOU
We would like to thank you for joining our Conference Ambassador Network. You will play a key role in showcasing our region’s expertise, innovation and pioneering spirit to the world.
WHO CAN BE A CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR
Anyone can be a conference ambassador, if they promote and/or have the potential to host a national or international event in our region. Ambassadors are influential in their field and play a key and active role in attracting their association conferences.
THE KEY ROLE TO PLAY
- YOU play a key role in bringing this business and investment to the region
- YOUR participation in the Birmingham & West Midlands Conference Ambassador Network is crucial
- YOUR role is critical not just for the region, but for your business, your university and local authority
Together we will lead the bid to host and you will have the complete support of the Convention Bureau and our partners, across the public and private sector.
CAN EVENTS
All Ambassadors will receive invitations to future events which will be a mixture of educational workshops, networking, and roundtable events where you will have the opportunity to network with fellow ambassadors.
CONFERENCE WINS
Birmingham successfully secured the ICIC 2026
The 26th International Conference on Integrated Care will bring together leaders, researchers, clinicians, managers, community representatives, patients and caregivers from around the world who are engaged in the design and delivery of integrated health and care.
THE FIVE STEP BID PROCESS
There are typically 5 steps to hosting a successful conference. Most association conferences have a competitive bidding process which involves a local or national expert to put forward a proposal, all of which the Convention Bureau can support you with:
STEP 1 - BID PREPARATION
Understand, research and analyse the bid criteria, considering the objectives of the association
STEP 2 - BID SUBMISSION
Presenting the bid to the key decision makers
STEP 3 - SITE INSPECTION
Invite key decision makers to view the venue options and conference facilities
STEP 4 - DECISION
Once a bid is won consider how to boost potential delegate numbers and market the conference
STEP 5 - OPERATIONS
Ensure a professional team is in place to make certain the smooth running of your conference
BENEFITS OF SECURING AN EVENT:
PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS OR UNIVERSITY AND DEPARTMENT
ESTABLISHING WORLDWIDE LINKS AND RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
SHOWCASING YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE
EXPOSING THE NEW LEADERS OF TOMORROW TO LATEST RESEARCH
STIMULATING FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SHAPING CONFERENCE PROGRAMME CONTENT
TALENT ACQUISITION
CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR ORGANISATION’S STRATEGIC AIMS, OFTEN BRINGING MEDIA EXPOSURE
HOW CAN WE HELP?
It is our purpose to promote Birmingham and the West Midlands as a leading destination for business events. We CAN make this happen together. We would like to work with you as a Conference Ambassador, and as part of this network you will receive advice on what it takes to bring your association’s conference and events to Birmingham.
We CAN offer all the support required to bid, win and deliver a truly remarkable event.
WE WILL WORK WITH YOU FROM TO START TO FINISH:
INITIATING THE PROCESS
• Researching the event
• Submitting a note of interest
BIDDING FOR THE EVENT
• Finding a suitable venue
• Preparing and submitting a bid proposal
• Presentations for bid/committee, including city representation if required
• Supporting on familiarisation and venue visits
ORGANISING THE EVENT
• Creating a bespoke event microsite for delegates
• Free accommodation booking service for delegates
• Marketing support to promote the event and destination to drive attendance
• Assistance with application for VisitBritain’s Delegate Growth Programme
• Social programme planning (ie. gala dinner)
ONGOING SUPPORT
Once the bid is won, our support doesn’t stop! We can provide you with continued event support.
Whatever your requirements, whatever your sector, the Convention Bureau is ready to assist you to put on a successful and memorable event for you and your delegates. We work alongside accommodation providers, venues, transport providers, event support suppliers and many more across the city and region, and are here to help you.
For over 40 years, the Convention Bureau has been working in partnership with organisers, offering essential advice and support to create lasting relationships with both the city and the West Midlands that you know you can rely on for many years to come. We can support an event in the following areas:
VENUE LOCATION SERVICE
A free venue finding service where we can obtain availability and rates and suggest options to meet all criteria and budget.
ACCOMMODATION BOOKING SERVICE
A bespoke online booking portal for delegates to book accommodation of your event along with support in securing bedrooms for staff and VIP’s including rooming list management. Visitor Literature – access a range of downloadable maps and guides to help delegates navigate their way around the region.
SOCIAL PROGRAMME PLANNING
Along with sourcing venues for fringe or social events and organising site visits on your behalf, we can use our extensive network of companies and stakeholder community to help support a fringe event or partner programme.
ORGANISER BENEFITS
Access to ‘The Toolkit’ - the one stop shop for the region’s marketing materials including images and film to help you when promoting your event to delegates.
Together, we CAN do it.
