Conference and Exhibition Sector in Bournemouth: An Analysis

This report provides an overview of the conference and exhibition sector in Bournemouth, UK. It defines conferences and exhibitions, examines their purpose in Bournemouth, and highlights their positive and negative impacts. The report identifies and evaluates specific venues used for these events, including the Bournemouth International Centre, and assesses the resources used by the UNISON national black members conference 2020. Finally, it recommends additional resources for future events, considering factors like economic impact, environmental concerns, and technological advancements. Desklib offers a platform for students to access this and other solved assignments for academic support.

Contents
1.0Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3
Gadro et al. (2017) defines a conference as any formal organised meeting where individuals with
similar interests meet to discuss and exchange ideas on a specific area of knowledge or subject. The
activities that take place in a conference include discussions, fact finding, consultations and solving
problems. An exhibition is also defined as an event where promotional products and services are
displayed for those attending the exhibits to see them (Gadro et al., 2017). This report will define
and explain the exhibitions and conference sector in Bournemouth city, United Kingdom, examine
the key purpose of conference and exhibitions in Bournemouth with the positive and negative
impacts of conferences and exhibitions highlighted. Further, identification and evaluation of
specific venues used by conferences and exhibitions in Bournemouth, evaluation of the resources
used by UNISON national black members 2020 conference at Bournemouth international centre.
Finally, recommendations of further resources that could be used in future events will be given. ....3
2.0 Conferences and exhibition sector in Bournemouth city................................................................3
3.0 Purpose of conferences and exhibitions in Bournemouth city ......................................................4
4.1 Positive impacts ........................................................................................................................4
4.2 Negative impacts ........................................................................................................................6
5.0 Identification and evaluation of specific venues used by conferences and exhibitions in
Bournemouth city.................................................................................................................................6
6.0 Resources used by UNISON national black members conference 2020 at Bournemouth
international centre in Bournemouth city ............................................................................................8
7.0 Recommendations of resources that could be used in future events..............................................9
References .........................................................................................................................................10

1.0 Introduction
Gadro et al. (2017) defines a conference as any formal organised meeting where
individuals with similar interests meet to discuss and exchange ideas on a specific area of
knowledge . The activities that take place in a conference include discussions, fact finding,
consultations and solving problems. An exhibition is also defined as an event where
promotional products and services are displayed for those attending the exhibits to see
them (Gadro et al., 2017). This report will define and explain the exhibitions and
conference sector in Bournemouth city, United Kingdom, examine the key purpose of
conference and exhibitions in Bournemouth with the positive and negative impacts of
conferences and exhibitions highlighted. Further, identification and evaluation of specific
venues used by conferences and exhibitions in Bournemouth, evaluation of the resources
used by UNISON national black members 2020 conference at Bournemouth international
centre. Finally, recommendations of further resources that could be used in future events
will be given.
2.0 Conferences and exhibition sector in Bournemouth city
Conferences are described as the gathering of many people who talk about a particular
subject. There are many ways of conference like trade, academic, peace and so on. In relation with
exhibitions it is an organised presentation and display of certain products.
In Bournemouth, there are different types of conferences and exhibitions takes place like in the
form of international association conference, national, incentive travel and so on. On the basis of
national association, mostly university venues were being selected in the Bournemouth city. At the
same point of time in context with exhibitions they look for different elements like location of
venue, service costs and so on.
Conferences can be characterised as the association of numerous individuals in order to
facilitate a prominent discussion upon a specific topic. Conferences are specifically
designed to assist the large scale enterprises and institutions to facilitate the sharing of
crucial and essential information and messages across the period of conference. The

conferences incorporates the association of important members of the organisation, the
key speakers as well as the public attending the conference.
Exhibitions can considered to be a form of trade shows which are wherein the business
enterprises aims to carry out the promotional tactics for its products and offering among
the general public. The basic concept of exhibition lays cocn3ern over acquiring sales and
profit leverages through persuading sales. In addition to that, exhibitions plays a significant
role in elevating the networking among the individuals. Moreover, exhibitions facilitates
advancements in building stronger relationships with the customer segments of the
concerned business organisations.
Bournemouth is one of the leading conferences and exhibitions destinations in the United
Kingdom. The Bournemouth tourism strategy 2011-2020 acknowledged business tourism
as the core markets for the destination alongside international education and leisure
tourism. Bournemouth is regarded as one of the most successful resort destinations which
attracts conference buyers. The conference and convention group “Meet Bournemouth”
promotes the conferences through a marketing strategy and gains commission from
conferences business placed (Leask and spiller, 2012).
This promotes the growth of Bournemouth through improving profitability through spending
on the visitors which increases economic benefits. Secondly, the all-year round activities
complement the other economic activities enhancing growth and productivity. Other
benefits to Bournemouth city include; professional development and improved quality of
life.
Bournemouth is considered to be one of the most renowned cities when it comes to
holding attractive conferences and exhibitions. Several types of conferences and
exhibitions are held in Bournemouth throughout the course of the year. For example,
conferences and exhibitions related to education and training, medical and

pharmaceuticals , science and research, technology , research and development,
community development etc.
3.0 Purpose of conferences and exhibitions in Bournemouth city
The purpose of exhibitions and conferences is to use the expertise to enhance research
and development, long-term maintenance as well as support the agencies that promote
investment in future conferences and exhibitions, development of trade and information
exchange (Cassar, Whitfield and Chapman, 2020). This results to improved business at
the destination of conferences and exhibitions (Eventbrite, 2021). Moreover, conferences
and exhibitions are beneficial in embracing the desires of government traineeship
(HAMAD, 2020). The main objective of exhibitions is to educate through focusing on
disseminating new knowledge, information, beliefs and new habits (Zhelnina and
ereshchenko, 2021). Engagement of leaders in the tourism sector support the growth of
skills in the implementation in programmes such as managing events (Le Gac and Lu,
2021)
The main purpose of conference is to expand the knowledge and finding out certain
solutions to all kinds of problems. In relation with Bournemouth city, there are many
equipments and techniques which are being used so on the basis of this they also made a
purpose of arranging conferences so that employees knowledge can get enhanced.
The purpose of exhibition is to provide different opportunities to a businessman in order to
examine all needs and wants and develop the business. With the help of this companies
were promoting their products in the better way.
4.0 Positive and Negative impacts of Conferences and Exhibitions
According to Eventbrite (2021) there are about 41 exhibition venues in the United Kingdom
with quite a large number of them hosting the exhibitions as part of increasing the variation in

portfolio events. The conference and exhibitions sector contributes value added tax amounting to £
5.6 billion to the UK economy which is about 0.4%. in the recent years conferences and convention
trade is expanding at a high rate with states and cities putting in strategies to attract more visitors to
their area.
4.1 Positive impacts
The conferences, meetings and the exhibitions are regarded globally as the major driver of
economic development at the local, national, regional levels and through the expenditures
as well as activities that take place in these events. Conferences and exhibitions play an
important role in growth of tourism leading hence a beneficial factor in the economic
sector. The positive impacts of the sector include; positioning of the individual destinations
as centres of professional development, attractive locations that can be visited and
enjoyed as leisure destinations, inward investment, cutting-edge exchange of scientific
knowledge and earning exports (Jonsson and Lewis, 2014).
Most of the world leading companies for conferences and exhibitions are based in the UK
and develop exhibitions that are business-to-consumer as well as business-to-business.
The exports earn profits and this has a positive economic impact on the event holders. The
activities that take place in these events include; entrance fees, transportation, food,
accommodation and other expenses.
Conferences and exhibitions are also beneficial in the exchange of scientific knowledge
(de Leon and McQuillin, 2020) . This is because they provide a platform in which the
researchers and learners showcase the new knowledge they have. The events promote
inventions, exposure to the needs of the society, new discoveries and exposure to working
group. Additionally, conferences and exhibitions promote innovations through providing a
platform in which businesses launch their innovations. Exhibitions are commonly used to

launch new services and products through use of videos and other media platforms which
are beneficial in showcasing the services and products (Jonsson and Lewis, 2014).
The regulation of conferences and exhibitions in Bournemouth is extremely significant in
elevating the graph of the economy. The Bournemouth destination has facilitated
approximately 73 million pounds to heighten the bar of local economy. Also, the
employment opportunities are also accelerated due to the excessive emphasise upon the
business of conferences and tourisms within the city. The concerned sector provides
various platforms to the individuals through which they can support their career domain in
an effective manner.
The local residing in Bournemouth has also facilitated the capitalisation of the prevailing
employment opportunities in a suitable manner. For instance, the business of local
suppliers have increase due to the events conducted at Bournemouth destination.
In terms of infrastructure, the public transport facilities in Bournemouth has exceedingly
advanced due to the increase in the audience and crowd in the respective destination.
New and improved conference spaces and event venues and buildings has been
developed. In addition to that, the existing ones have been modified and designed as per
the recent trends and requirement of the designing, space, volume of the venues in the
sector.
4.2 Negative impacts
There are many negative impacts that occurs with respect to Bournemouth destination. In context
with executing a conference, the economic viability gets reduced due to which the cost of
construction gets increased. There were many social and environmental disruptions due to which
Bournemouth destination became inevitable.
The negative impacts of conferences and exhibitions include; high costs, environmental
impacts resulting from the events, disruption of the normal events, social problems and
security as well as safety of the residents (Jonsson and Lewis, 2014). There are higher

costs associated with organising the events hence arrangement needs to be done in
advance. Good planning in terms of travelling, accommodation, food and drinks, space at
the venues ensures success of the events. Moreover, environmental impacts may arise in
the event conferences and exhibitions. This is because they attract large crowds that put
more pressure on the resources leading to environmental pollution. Conferences and
exhibitions also cause disruption the host locality. This is through prohibiting the business
operators and investors from carrying out their day-to-day activities (Jonsson and Lewis,
2014).
Other negative impacts include social problems such as crime, vandalism and rowdy
behaviour that might be experienced in the location of the events. Moreover, safety and
security are issues of concern in event preparation. Safety measures need to be put in
place to ensure all the people actively involved ranging from spectators, volunteers and
participants are well protected from acts of violence.
5.0 Identification and evaluation of specific venues used by conferences and exhibitions in
Bournemouth city
Bournemouth is an award winning holiday destination which is very attractive because of
two reasons and these are that it is a centre for both partying and entertainment and at the
same point of time it is family friendly seaside resort. It is considered as one of the most
attractive location for students because they can enjoy the seaside and also the nature of
small town. There are several other venues also like Bournemouth upper gardens, tower
park, Compton acres and many more. The venue which has been selected is
Bournemouth upper gardens. There are different events which takes place at upper
gardens like mini golf, art exhibition, refreshment kiosks.
In context with Bournemouth international centre, it is one of the largest venues for all
exhibitions, conferences. It is also famous for hosting national conference of British

political parties as well as trade unions. There is the capacity of around 10000 visitors and
features four main auditoria which are Purbeck hall, Solent hall, Windsor hall and
Tregonwell hall. The international centre has a wealth of certain breakout rooms as well as
networking spaces. There is 1400 seater theatre and gala dinner venue. There are 19
meeting rooms. In relation with its parking space, it is involved with total 37 accessible
parking spaces that is located on the levels 1 to 3 of the car park. Besides this, there are
also automatic doors that provides access from the parking spaces. There were many
events held at Bournemouth international centre like Gin to my tonic festival, prep schools
annual conference, wedding show and many more.
A high reputation has been reserved for the conference, hospitality, leisure and tourism
activities in the city of Bournemouth. The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)has
significantly played a role in the exhibitions, multiple hall conferences and other
performances (Nolan, 2020). On its website i.e. Bournemouth International Centre, 2021
customers can reserve their bookings through the ticketing segment at the convenience of
their electronic gadgets. Furthermore, the venue offers a multi-storey car park that
facilitates access by individuals including those living with disability. Other features such
as passenger lifts are fitted in the venue and the provide convenience in movement from
the ground floor to other top floors .
Accessible toilets for disabled individuals and those that are not disabled are fitted in 7
strategic positions within the centre. Emergency alarms are fitted to signal for help in case
individuals encounter any challenges more especially those with physical disabilities.
Moreover, the doors in the centre are always kept in an open position but automatically
lock when the alarm is activated. This is achieved by the utilization of the magnetic

technology in ensuring human safety in cases of accidents (Bournemouth International
Centre, 2021).
Bournemouth is an attractive city which have plenty of amazing tourists spots to visit.
There are some beautiful museums, amusement parks, beautiful beaches, intriguing
oceans and play parks surrounding the city which holds an extreme significance in
capturing the interest of the tourists within the city.
Citygate Centre
Next to Bournemouth train station, sit the Citygate Centre. It is regarded as the home of
quality events and possession of superior conferencing space (City Gate Centre, 2021). This
is achieved through the its new facilities that makes it to stand out as an excellent venue
for business conferences as well as corporate guests in search of meeting space
(Citygate, 2021). For instance, the auditorium is designed to accommodate several
hundreds to thousands of people in a comfortable manner and at the same time offering
enough space for events at affordable prices. Besides, the auditorium space is large
enough for individuals to drive in vans during exhibitions or when delivering orders.
Other features incorporated in the design of the centre include the contemporary and
neutral design. This has played a centre stage role in supporting design preferences from
clients. The colours, themed parties such as those for Bollywood and AGM’s specifications
from guests have also been achieved through the designs. Equally, meeting rooms can be
utilised together or independently thus giving guests adequate space for their businesses.
Through that, the Citygate Centre has evolved as a facility that has simplified life for
guests during different occasions.
Hilton Bournemouth

At the heart of Bournemouth city is Hilton hotel which hosts art exhibitions an aviary and a
mini golf course. The venue has six meeting rooms, two boardrooms and ball rooms with
an additional free audio/visual equipment, free Wi-Fi and bright air-conditioned
atmosphere conducive for meetings. The hotel has 553 square metres event space, 9
meeting rooms and 177 guest rooms with the largest room set up at 339 square metres .
The concerned venue is extremely spacious with advance infrastructure facilities that
increases the prominence of the venue in context to conducting essential conferences and
exhibitions. The venue is accessible to for each kind of event but reservations and
bookings needs to be done in advance in order to make the appropriate arrangement for
the same. The venue provides a spacious parking space to the guest and valet services
are also cater better assistance to the guest in an effective manner. The privacy and
security of the guests is considered as the topmost priority at the concerned venue. For
instance, security officials are appointed on entry and exit gates in order to ensue the
safety of the audiences and guest during an event. In addition to that, the accommodation
facilities at the venue are highly optimum in catering the top-quality stay services to the
guests.
6.0 Resources used by UNISON national black members conference 2020 at Bournemouth
international centre in Bournemouth city
For a successful conference to take place, there is a wide variety of resources required
during organising which include; the location of the event, sponsors, conference speakers,
marketing and promotion, technology to be used, transportation, food and drinks (Intason,
2021). For example, the venue of the event was chosen as BIC in order to suit the goals
and requirement of the event, the proposed event plan was showcased to sponsors and
investors in order to acquire their approval regarding the same. The national black
members 2020 conference was held at the Bournemouth international centre in

Bournemouth city. The aim of the group is to fight for equality in the place of work as well
challenge racism and discrimination. The conference is held annually where various
activities take place including; elections and change of delegates among others (UNISON,
2020).
The resources needed for this conference included; sponsors of the event, technology
used, speakers, accommodation, transport as well as food and drinks. It is being explained
below: -
 Sponsors of the event: - It is an organisation that supports an event with the help of
providing funds in exchange for something valuable. It can be in the form of brand
exposure, discounted event tickets, speaking opportunities and so on. IN context
with conference, people get opportunities to present their point of view also and
sponsors gives them tickets also at discounted price.
 Technology : - In a conference, there are different types of technologies which are
used like video conferencing systems, screen sharing, projectors, virtual reality
systems, white boards and many more. At the same point of time, in exhibitions
there are several technologies that are used like indoor tracking, social media
presence, software planning tools and so on.
 Speakers: - In a conference or any other event, speakers are the most crucial part
in order to raise the interest in an event. Without effective speakers, people would
not get interested in attending such programs.
 Accommodation: - In a conference or an exhibition, different accommodation
facilities are provided like large conference hall, good connection with both transport
links and public transport.
Six delegates per branch was to attend the conference for fair representation and
proportionality. Funding for the delegates sent to the conference was done by the

respective branches which covered accommodation, subsistence, personal assistance
costs and other additional costs. The branches were also allowed to apply for sponsorship
to the event (UNISON, 2021). The food and beverage resources was maintained by the
official staff of the venue. The list of the menu items were provided to the venue officials
and the responsibility of managing the catering and serving were also delegated to the
same. Technological devices such as massive projector, screens, high tech speaker
system, communication devices etc. were arranged in an organised manner. The pre
booking were done in order to arrange for the accommodations and guest list was
provided t the venue team in order to maintain the privacy concerns.
For accommodation of the delegates, the branches were encouraged to arrange through
the business events Bournemouth. The business events Bournemouth serves to enable to
secure accommodation and other utilities at guaranteed rates for the conference venues.
Bournemouth international centre is one of the largest conference venues that is operated
by BH live which is a social enterprise specialised in conferencing entertainment, arts as
well as culture and entertainment. The venue has good resources which improves the
users experience inside and outside the venue of the conference. The conference venue
has also king-size banquets, beach picnics for leisure for the delegates, street food
buffets, team building activities and delegate experiences. The resources available at
Bournemouth international centre creates meets the demand for large events through
offering great opportunities for innovative works and has been listed among the fastest
growing digital economy (Bournemouth International Centre, 2021).
.
7.0 Recommendations of resources that could be used in future events
In future events it is recommended that when events of this calibre are being organised,
data protection for the delegates should be protected from unauthorised persons. It is also

imperative that the space is utilised for hosting more activities and events. Moreover,
facilitation and use of sound equipment should be done in the main auditorium to ensure
everyone participates in the event. The time of operation should also be adjusted to
24hours 7 days a week to ensure that services are provided to the event participants. It is
also important to look upon the technical resources in order to to lead much needed
advancements and specification within the future events. In the coming run, events can
incorporate the inclusion of facial recognition features in order to enhance the security
standards of the event. Also, sustainable designs can be taken into consideration in order
to facilitate transformations in the infrastructure capability and design more component and
advance venue structures in the near future. The translation equipments can be
capitalised so as to make to make the event interactions more flexible for the guests. It
can be said that optimization and integration of technological upgrades can prove to be an
added advantage to the success of the events in the upcoming future run.

References
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ONLINE REFERENCE
Bournemouth International Centre, 2021 Available Through; [ Online Source]
<http://www.bic.co.uk>

City Gate Centre, 2021 Available Through; [ Online Source]
<http://www.citygatecentre.net/>