Belfast has been named as the official destination for the 2019 Conference and Incentive Travel (C&IT) Agency Forum, it was confirmed today (Tuesday 29th January 2019).

Successfully secured in partnership by Visit Belfast, Tourism Northern Ireland, Belfast ICC, Titanic Belfast and Hastings Hotels, this sought-after event represents a major coup for Belfast and Northern Ireland’s drive to bring in even more business tourism opportunities in the years ahead.

The annual event, which has only been held outside London once previously in its 10-year history, will bring more than 100 of the UK’s leading and most active event planners and suppliers to Belfast next summer (30 July – 2 August 2019).

C&IT is the UK’s leading, influential brand for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) industry and provides a key source of information, news, collaboration and networking opportunities through its expansive and unrivalled portfolio of print and digital outlets.

Senior planners and managing directors from major UK event agencies will attend the four-day event, which provides the opportunity to meet and network with key industry suppliers.

In addition, Visit Belfast also confirmed that a second event – C&IT’s Corporate Forum – will also be held in Belfast next summer, bringing up to 40 corporate event organisers together in venues around the city.

Belfast secured the conference highlight following a recent site visit to the city by senior C&IT officials who chose Belfast over other UK rivals for its hospitality and welcome, state-of-the-art venues, award-winning attractions and unrivalled entertainment.

Rachael McGuickin, Director of Business Development at Visit Belfast, said:

“This is a major coup for Belfast. These flagship industry forums are attended by many highly influential global event organisers who between them control a combined annual spend on events worth £450 million.

“The decision by C&IT – the industry leaders – to base themselves here for these pivotal events represents a real vote of confidence in in our city.

“Belfast is now competing at the highest international level. Only a few months after being officially recognised as the Best Events Destination, the decision by C&IT to bring its annual forums to Belfast is potentially transformative for a city that is focused and committed to business tourism success.

“We look forward to warmly welcoming these important guests to Belfast and to the positive impact and long legacy which these events will bring.”

The C&IT Forum is renowned within the industry, and attracts the biggest and most successful companies, including “super agencies” like BCD events, Banks Sadler, CWT, Concerto Group, George P. Johnston and Ashfield Meetings and Events.

Eimear Callaghan, Business Solutions Manager at Tourism Northern Ireland, added:

“Business tourism, specifically conferences and incentives, is emerging as a key priority for the future growth of tourism in Northern Ireland due to its propensity for higher spending visitors, shoulder season business and regional dispersion.

“Last year tourism in total welcomed almost five million visitors, contributing £926 million to the local economy, yet there is still potential for growth.

“We work closely with key partners and stakeholders to collectively promote Northern Ireland as a destination of choice for the meetings industry and we look forward to welcoming the buyers from C&IT next summer for what will be a memorable Forum”

The opportunity to bring these events to Belfast follows both the city being awarded the Best Events Destination and the Belfast ICC named the Best Events Venue at the recent C&IT Awards in London.

Calum Di Lieto, Editor of C&IT magazine, said:

“C&IT Agency Forum is our flagship event and has grown from strength to strength every year.  Historically, the event was always London-based up until 2017 when we first left the capital – since then we have found that by changing location we can attract even more delegates, providing even greater networking opportunities for all those that attend.

“This year however, to celebrate our 10th anniversary of the event, we really wanted to do something extra special and take this mega-forum to Belfast – a city we know will accommodate everyone with professionalism and charm.

“I’m personally very excited for everything we have planned for 2019’s event, including the inclusion of our first ever Corporate Summit – a one-day gathering the day before, with opportunities to network with our agency delegates that evening.

“2019’s C&IT Agency Forum will certainly be one to remember!”

The Forum’s main programmes will take place at the Belfast ICC, with additional social events to take place at Titanic Belfast, the Grand Central Hotel and a street party in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Buyers will also have the chance to explore more of Northern Ireland through trips organised by Tourism Northern Ireland.