Members

All of the organisations listed below are members of the Business Visits & Events Partnership. Members are listed in alphabetical order.

Click on the links to go direct to their websites

To see details of their latest news, publications, events and research click on the relevant button on the left


Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO)
http://www.abpco.org

ABPCO The aim of ABPCO is to raise standards of professionalism across the meetings industry and to increase business for its members (PCOs). Membership requires a high level of professional competence and experience, and members are also offered opportunities for training and professional development.

Association for Conferences & Events (ACE)
http://www.aceinternational.org

ACE ACE acts as an information centre and forum for member organisations involved in the organising, marketing, accommodation and servicing of events. It also organises training courses on aspects of event planning and management.

Association for Events Management Education (AEME)
http://www.aeme.org

AEME AEME exists in order to support and raise the profile of the events discipline through the sharing of education and best practice. It is also the first international organisation to draw together events management educators and will act as a channel through which industry, professional bodies and the media can liaise with events education providers. Membership is open to individuals or organisations interested in furthering AEME's work.

Conference Centres of Excellence
http://www.cceonline.co.uk

CCE Conference Centres of Excellence is the UK's leading consortium of independent specialist meetings venues, each of which provides a completely focused combination of facilities and support services to stringent standards. It has more than 30 members, covering all major conference regions.

Events Industry Alliance (EIA)
http://www.eventsindustryalliance.com/

EIA The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) is the new marketing arm for the exhibitions and events industry, and is equally owned by the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA), the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and the Association of Event Venues (AEV). The EIA's mission is to promote, grow and further professionalise the event marketing medium. The EIA is focussed on communicating the huge opportunities for business growth via the medium of 'face-to-face' marketing, and increasing the overall recognition of this powerful, effective and unique media channel.

Events Industry Forum (EIF)
http://www.eventsindustryforum.co.uk/

EIA The Event Industry Forum is an informal body which meets twice a year to provide a gathering where events industry trade associations and similar bodies can meet to discuss issues of common interest. Other than a Chairman and Secretary, elected annually `to co-ordinate meetings and disseminate information, the Forum has no formal structure or role, although from time-to-time it may act to represent its member bodies in respect of issues where there is a unilateral and common interest. There is steering committee whose sole purpose is to select topics for discussion and to elect officers annually.

Eventia
http://www.eventia.org.uk

Eventia Eventia is the UK-based trade association for organisations that provide business solutions through the use of corporate events including meetings, product launches and travel incentives. Members include event organising companies, airlines, hotel groups, destination management companies, tourist offices, destination marketing organisations and a range of support service providers.

Hotel Booking Agents Association
http://www.hbaa.org.uk

Eventia The HBAA represents a collective industry voice for both agents and hotels and venues for the best practice in the procurement and booking of accommodation, conferences, events and training sessions. Members and Partners of the HBAA provide cost savings and management information to the corporate market costs associated directly with the use of a hotel or venue for accommodation, meetings or conference purposes. Over 60 of the UK's leading booking agents make up the association; their consolidated buying power exceeds £750m per annum.

International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA)
http://www.iccaworld.com

ICCA ICCA is now one of the most prominent organisations in the world of international meetings. It is the only association that comprises a membership representing the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events. With ICCA members in more than 76 countries around the world, it is the most global organisation within the meetings industry.

The UK and Ireland chapter of ICCA has some 50 members and holds a range of meetings and seminars throughout the year listed on the attached document. It supports industry research.

Click here to see the ICCA UK & Ireland Programme of Activities 2004/2005

ISES UK Chapter
http://www.isesuk.org/

MIA Connect - Create - Inspire
The society for industry professionals passionate about networking, education and event inspiration.

London & Partners (formerly Visit London)

LCB
London & Partners is the official promotional agency for London attracting and delivering value to businesses, students and visitors. London's official convention bureau sits within London & Partners.

We offer a total event solution service for clients and event organisers, including free and impartial advice on planning meetings, conferences, events, exhibitions, incentives and launch parties in London.

We bid to attract association congresses to London and facilitate with all aspects of set up.

We are the experts on opening up London for all business audiences and work in partnership with key providers across the city.

London & Partners - official convention bureau
Visit London - website for leisure visitors

Meetings Industry Association (MIA)
http://www.mia-uk.org/

MIA The MIA sets the 'Gold Standards' for the UK meetings industry. As a supplier led buyer-focused organisation the MIA is committed to benefiting and enhancing the UK meetings industry through the encouragement of the highest standards in facilities and standards.

Meeting Professionals International UK Chapter (MPI)
http://www.mpiuk.org

MPI MPI is one of the leading associations for the global meetings industry and is committed to delivering success for its 21,000 worldwide members by providing innovative professional development, generating industry awareness and creating business development opportunities.

National Outdoor Events Association
http://www.noea.org.uk

NOEA The National Outdoor Events Association represents nearly 500 members, including Local Authorities, Show Organisers, Promoters, Events Management Companies and Suppliers of equipment, services and entertainment. It produces a members' yearbook and organises an annual convention and several regional conferences throughout the year addressing the priority issues for the industry. Yearbooks are available free of charge upon application to NOEA.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB)
http://convention.discovernorthernireland.com/
Industry Web site
NITB Northern Ireland Tourist Board supports the activities of the two city Convention Bureaux in Belfast and Derry and the Regional Tourism Partnerships (RTPs) to attract conference, association and incentive business to Northern Ireland. The Business Tourism Unit facilitates the trade through, participation at overseas promotions, facilitating familiarisation inspections by overseas conference organisers and incentive houses and providing a link to suppliers of conference services.

Contact for further information the Domestic Business Tourism Officer, Maeve Curran E-mail:businesstourism@nitb.com

Site Great Britain
http://www.siteglobal.com/

DfT Site is the only global authority connecting motivational experiences with business results. The network of Site professionals brings best-in-class solutions, insights and global connections to maximize the business impact of motivational experiences regardless of industry, region or culture. Site serves as the source of expertise, knowledge and personnel connections and helps build the value of extraordinary motivational experiences worldwide.

VisitBritain
http://www.britainforevents.com

VisitBritain works in partnership with the Government, the industry and our strategic partners in London, England, Scotland and Wales to promote Britain globally.

Our network of international offices is supported by our London-based marketing, commercial and research teams, who in turn are backed up by experts in IT, financial management and other essential disciplines.

We also provide UK government with advice on tourism affairs and raise awareness of the significance of tourism to the UK economy. We are particularly working towards showcasing Britain and maximising the tourism benefits in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

VisitEngland
http://www.meetengland.com

VisitEngland is the national tourism body for England. Its role is to grow the value of tourism by working in partnership with the industry to deliver inspirational sales and marketing campaigns and to provide advocacy for the industry and visitors. The organisation's work is underpinned by robust research and customer insights.

The team at VisitEngland provides impartial advice on all aspects of organising events in England and can coordinate proposals from destinations, venues and other suppliers and opportunities for partnership marketing.

VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit
http://www.conventionscotland.com

SCB The Business Tourism Unit of VisitScotland actively promotes Scotland as a dynamic destination for meetings, incentive travel and corporate events. It produces guides and brochures to help the meeting or incentive planner, and gives impartial advice and assistance in venue selection.

Visit Wales
www.businessevents.visitwales.com
www.wales.gov.uk/tourism/

WTB Visit Wales, the tourism department of the Welsh Assembly Government, provides MICE buyers with impartial advice, assistance with venue selection, local knowledge and support services. Visit Wales also supplies statistics, consultations and business information on tourism in Wales.


Supporting Government Departments


Department for Culture, Media & Sport
http://www.culture.gov.uk

DCMS The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has policy responsibility for tourism, museums, galleries and libraries, the built heritage, the arts, sport, broadcasting and the media, as well as the creative industries and the National Lottery.

UK Trade & Investment
http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

DfT UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that supports both companies in the UK trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. It offers independent, impartial advice and support to existing exporters and those new to international trade.