Exhibitor Spotlight: ICC Wales

One of the biggest and most exciting new venues to open in the UK this year, ICC Wales will be showcasing everything they have to offer at The Meetings Show this year, as well as bringing their own group of hosted buyers to the show. We spoke to Cerys Davey, liaison officer at ICC Wales, to find out more about what they have planned.

Tell us about your venue?
International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) is a brand-new facility opening in Autumn 2019. It has the capacity to accommodate events from 50 – 5,000 delegates across 15 flexible meeting spaces including a 1,500-seater auditorium and 4,000sqm pillar free main hall.

What are the benefits to meetings and events organisers of using your venue?
We have an experienced and knowledgeable team with a proven track record of hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup and 2014 NATO Summit; we know how to run and implement events with passion, care and distinction.

We pride ourselves on offering our renowned warm Welsh welcome combined with world-class quality cuisine. Our highly-skilled, in-house culinary team have cooked for kings, queens and presidents and offer a comprehensive range of fantastic menus from kick-starting breakfasts and working lunches to refreshing tea breaks and sumptuous dinners.

Leading in technology, we have inclusive packages available to suit all event needs.

What is unique about the venue?
ICC Wales is conveniently located just off the M4 and just 45 minutes from 2 international airports yet is surrounded by beautiful woodland. All rooms benefit from natural daylight to ensure a sense of wellbeing for delegates who can also take a breath of fresh air on our outdoor terraces and ponder pods.

Our fully finished pillar-free main hall will open possibilities for large banquets and awards ceremonies for up to 2,400 guests.

Are there any particular sectors or industries you work closely with?
We are keen to attract business from associations, both nationally and internationally but are also working with our corporate clients and agencies.

Why should meetings and events buyers visit your stand at the show in 2019?
When open, ICC Wales will be the only purpose-built convention centre in the South West, opening opportunities for larger events that have previously not been able to be held in Wales to find a home here. We feel it’s important for buyers to come and meet the team and see what ICC Wales has to offer.

You’re running a hosted buyer group at this year’s show. What activities or incentives do you have planned with your group?
We benefited greatly from the engagement with our hosted buyers last year so it was a no-brainer when we were approached to do the same this year. We are looking forward to interacting with our buyers at the welcome reception and on the stand and also have a group dinner planned with a delicious menu at Tom’s Kitchen, Chelsea. All our hosted buyers who visit the stand will receive a voucher to enjoy a weekend in Wales, staying at Celtic Manor Resort and visiting the centre.

Do you have any exciting developments planned for 2019/20 that you can share?
2019 will see us open our doors and it doesn’t get more exciting than that! We have some really great events confirmed for the first year of opening and we will also be home to the Imperial Ice Stars, Nutcracker on Ice this Christmas – a great option for team nights out and incentives.

ICC Wales will be based on stand H300 at the show.