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Government gives industry a boost as Minister for Tourism plans to attend Confex

06/01/2012

The events industry is continuing to gain recognition from the government following the announcement that Minister for Tourism, John Penrose MP, will attend International Confex in March.

Following the efforts of the Britain for Events campaign, International Confex, the All Party Parliamentary Group and Visit England, Penrose will attend the opening day of the show at ExCeL on 6 March. He will take part in a networking event before touring the exhibition to gain further insight into the UK events industry.

Talking on behalf of the Britain for Events campaign, Michael Hirst, chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership, said: “This is a really significant endorsement of the UK events industry and a sign of its growth on the government agenda.

“As the UK’s premier events exhibition, the lack of senior government attendance in the past has been disappointing, so it’s great news that John Penrose has given up his valuable time to attend.”

Jonny Sullens, portfolio director, Confex Group, added: “This is a tremendous endorsement of the show and we’re delighted to welcome the Minster to Confex this year. There is no better place for government to witness the professionalism, creativity and all round quality of the UK events industry.”

International Confex will take place 6 - 8 March 2012.

Pictured: John Penrose MP


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  • Mr Alan Newton of Grass Roots Group 10/01/2012

    I concur with the comments of Jonny Sullens, and would add that there are many individuals within our industry that have worked tirelessly towards the aim of promoting to Government the benefits to the British economy of a £36 billion industry in the UK.

    Various avenues have been explored and ventured to achieve wider recognition, with individuals such as Michael Hirst, Brian Kirsch, Peter Ducker, Peter Rand, Simon Hughes, Rob Allen, to name just a few, all deserving of wider recognition for such endeavours. They and others will continue to campaign for broader recognition within government, and it's something we should all get behind as an industry.

  • Mr Jonny Sullens of United Business Media Ltd 10/01/2012

    It should not be forgotten that Britain for Events was first launched by Martin and the M&IT team as National Meetings Week. If we can continue to get Governmental recognition and support for our industry then we will owe him and his team a great debt.



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