Explore what’s drawing event organisers to Liverpool ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest later this year.
It’s not hard to see why Liverpool is a popular destination to hold conferences and events. Offering a rich cultural heritage, lively atmosphere and a wide range of facilities, it’s the perfect place for events of every shape and size. Reasons that no doubt contributed to the decision that Liverpool would host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine in May 2023 – one of the biggest global events the city has hosted since it was awarded Capital of Culture in 2008.
Liverpool is no stranger to welcoming a range of unique events to its Mersey shores. The city has recently offered its hosting facilities to The Turner Prize competition at Tate Liverpool and the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 at the M&S Bank Arena to great success, broadcasting the best of what the city does around the world. River Of Light, the city’s annual light festival along the Waterfront brought together the best of Liverpool’s creative minds showcasing work from around the world in iconic locations. 2022 also saw the inaugural Taste Liverpool. Drink Bordeaux food and drink festival collaborate with Bordeaux Wines to combine beautiful wines with Liverpool’s eclectic hospitality sector across the city. A show stopping wine tasting experience in the grand Liverpool Town Hall and chef demonstrations in what the local’s call, The Bombed Out Church, offered a fine example of how spaces can be adapted across the city.
Aside from the city’s cultural events offering, incredible things happen across the region for a broad range of conferences. Liverpool has a plethora of modern conference centres, hotels, exhibitions spaces and unique venues that can accommodate events of all sizes. Looking for an event space in a Grade II listed building? No problem. A meeting space with state-of-the-art technology? Take your pick. With experts working across the sector owning years of experience and knowledge in what will work best for your event, you’re in safe hands.
Venues range from the 11,000 capacity M&S Bank Arena to its sister venues at ACC Liverpool and the Exhibition Centre, who are looking forward to hosting a range of conferences in 2023 including the European Calcified Tissues Society Annual Congress. RCP Spaces at the Spine in the Knowledge Quarter will welcome the Association of Dental Education in Europe while Liverpool Cathedral, Anfield Stadium, National Museums Liverpool and the University of Liverpool have also hosted a diverse selection of events in 2022 with more planned for the years ahead.
Liverpool is also an ideal destination for conferences in specific fields such as sports, maritime and shipping, and life sciences. With two major football clubs and a rich history of maritime trade,
the city is also home to major research institutions such as the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Ambassadors involved in the Club Liverpool programme share their expertise in these fields and use their passion to help bring more events and conferences to the city.
Getting to and navigating around the city region is also a selling point for the destination. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is conveniently located 25 minutes outside the city centre and offers many direct flights around Europe and connecting flights through Frankfurt with Lufthansa, making for a smooth journey into the city. Manchester Airport also services the city with long haul flights and is only 40 minutes from Liverpool. The walkability factor of Liverpool is a huge selling point too. Taking only 25 minutes to walk across the city; train stations, hotels, restaurants, venues, and visitor attractions are all within walking distance of each other making your time in the city accessible and efficient. Another advantage of Liverpool as a conference destination is its relatively low cost compared to other major UK cities. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation are generally lower in Liverpool than in other major UK cities, making it a more affordable option for conference organisers and attendees. Whether delegates are looking for luxury or budget, there is something for everyone.
It’s not just all about the hard work either. A vast collection of activities for delegates to enjoy in their downtime adds to the attractiveness of Liverpool as an event destination, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and cultural exploration. Famous for its music, art, architecture, the Fab Four and a thriving selection of food and drink, conference organisers and delegates can enjoy downtime and explore what the city region has to offer.
When it comes to events, 2023 will not only see Liverpool host Eurovision but will also welcome a series of world-class events and new openings to the city. The Randox Grand National takes place in April, while the 12th edition of the Liverpool Biennial launches in June and the 151st Open returns to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July. New hotels including Radisson RED and MGallery will be hot spots to check out, whilst new restaurants, Gaucho, Hawksmoor, and Albert’s Schloss make for great additions to any itinerary.
Jennifer Jensen, Head of Business Tourism for Marketing Liverpool and Liverpool Convention Bureau said: “Liverpool is ideally located to offer a seamless experience for event organisers; easily accessible from the UK and abroad, a compact and walkable city centre and a vast array of diverse venues. However, it’s Liverpool’s warm and friendly welcome, its vibrant and engaging atmosphere that really makes it stand out from its competitors. The experts at Liverpool Convention Bureau can help you every step of the way with their vast knowledge and passion for delivering successful events.”
You can find out more about the services Liverpool Convention Bureau provides at Liverpoolconventionbureau.com
PHOTO: ANT CLAUSEN