In a bold move to uplift the region's economy and enhance its profile as a prime destination for conferences, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) has launched an initiative urging local professionals to become 'Conference Champions'.
This campaign, which aligns with English Tourism Week from March 14-23, aims to harness the influence of individuals across various sectors, including business, academia, and professional associations. By gathering these Conference Champions, VHEY seeks to attract national and international events back to Hull and Yorkshire.
Chris Blacksell, chair of VHEY, emphasized the significance of supporting the visitor economy, noting, "Supporting the visitor economy isn’t just about leisure visitors—bringing conferences to the area is also a vital part of the work we do to increase visitor numbers, which will in turn help support local businesses." He explained that Hull boasts impressive conference venues, ranging from enormous facilities accommodating thousands to charming, smaller venues that offer unique experiences.
Blacksell further commented, "What we really need is people who are in positions to help us influence conference organizers to choose us as a place to come." This call to action highlights the need for individuals with connections who can effectively champion Hull as a top choice for major gatherings.
The importance of these efforts becomes clear when considering the economic impact conference delegates can have; they are typically high-yield visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy. VHEY plays a crucial role in supporting the 1,700 businesses and over 21,000 jobs in the region, boasting national accreditation from VisitEngland as a Local Visitor Economic Partnership (LVEP).
March has proven to be a significant month for Hull's event landscape. Besides the launch of the Conference Champions program, VHEY recently hosted the Cultural Tides conference at Hull Truck Theatre, featuring the Honorable Galyna Grygorenko, Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, as keynote speaker.
Looking ahead, Hull is set to host the UK Pride Organisers’ Network Conference in October 2025. Andy Train, chair of Pride in Hull, hailed this achievement as a monumental occasion, suggesting it underscores the city’s commitment to promoting diversity and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Train stated, "Hosting the UK Pride Organisers’ Network Conference 2025 in Hull is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to the city’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community."
Train added, "The collaboration with VHEY has clearly been instrumental in making this bid successful, showcasing the region’s dedication to creating welcoming spaces and events for everyone." This upcoming conference not only gathers Pride organizers but also highlights Hull's role as a leader in LGBTQIA+ tourism.
The initiative to recruit Conference Champions is gathering momentum, with several individuals from numerous organizations stepping forward to assist VHEY in attracting large-scale events. The VHEY team has pledged to keep these champions engaged through regular gatherings, sharing updates on upcoming events that could be hosted in Hull.Hugh Jones, managing director of HPSS, an AV, stage and lighting equipment company, praised the initiative, reflecting on the positive experiences clients have when using Hull's venues. He said, "As a company that provides event support services across the UK, we’ve seen how much Hull and East Yorkshire now has to offer with a wide range of venues." According to Jones, a simple suggestion to prospective clients often leads to successful bookings; once they experience Hull, many choose to return for future events.
Ryan Shaw, revenue manager at Hull Trains, expressed his enthusiasm about supporting the Conference Champions program. He stated, "I’m delighted to be part of the VHEY Conference Champions programme. Hull Trains is proud to be an active member of the local community, and we’re always looking for ways we can champion what our area has to offer and help our local businesses grow.” Shaw continued by highlighting previous collaborations with VHEY, including efforts to promote Hull during Yorkshire Day in London.
The excitement surrounding the Conference Champions program also resonates with Janthi Mills-Ward, joint CEO of Hull Truck Theatre, who remarked, "It’s always fantastic when conferences, whether large or small, come to Hull and the East Riding. It’s a wonderful chance to highlight all that the region has to offer, and who better to advocate for why this area is the perfect choice for a national conference than those who live and work here, experiencing its benefits every day."
As the momentum builds, Samantha Dunion, general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Hull, shared her pride in supporting the initiative. She noted, "At DoubleTree by Hilton Hull, we are proud to support the Conference Champions programme in showcasing the region’s affordability and diverse offering." With a 1,000-capacity ballroom, DoubleTree by Hilton Hull aims to provide a seamless experience for organizers and attendees alike. Dunion remarked on the importance of the region’s strong transport links, allowing delegates to travel effortlessly.
Moreover, Alex Crutchley, Head of Destinations at East Riding Council, illustrated the region's wide array of opportunities for conference hosts. He highlighted areas like Bridlington, with its remarkable coastal views and venue options, including the iconic Bridlington Spa, which provides a grand backdrop for events.
Concluding his enthusiasm, Crutchley pointed out that Hull not only offers excellent venue facilities but also a diverse selection of accommodations and unique experiences, enhancing the attractiveness of the area for any conference. He declared, "With a diverse selection of boutique hotels and rural retreats, as well as the natural beauty of the East Riding’s coast and countryside, our region delivers an inspiring and memorable setting for conferences and corporate retreats."
The Conference Champions initiative represents a forward-looking strategy to position Hull and East Yorkshire prominently in the conference and events sector, which is seeing a resurgence post-pandemic. To get involved or learn more, interested parties can visit VHEY's dedicated Conference Champions page or contact them directly to make a difference in promoting this vibrant region.
