The new Belfast Waterfront received rave reviews at both the Lord Mayor’s opening and its first business event – the NI Chamber Champions Dinner 2016.
Last week, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, unveiled the city’s new 7,000m2 purpose built conference facility to local dignitaries and those who played a key role in the venue’s expansion programme as well as partners who will be instrumental in its future development.
Belfast’s offering to business travellers is continually changing and the addition of this new world class conference facility brings the product offering to a whole new level. It will help the city attract larger international events as well as reaffirm its position as a leading business tourism destination. Even before its opening, the venue has successfully secured over 30 international and national events including BBC Good Food Show, the World Credit Union Conference and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Annual Congress.
As part of the opening celebrations, guests enjoyed a spectacular programme of fantastic entertainment in the 1,805m2 Hall 1, and with 2016 being Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, attendees were treated to a delicious locally inspired lunch in the 700m2 Hall 2. Creative stunts from BMX bike riders, vibrant and colourful carnival performers as well as enthralling aerial performances showcased the venue’s extensive space and its 9m high ceiling perfectly.
The positive reviews of the venue’s new spaces and outstanding support services were echoed by the local business community attending this week’s NI Chamber Champions Dinner (Wednesday 4 May).
Twitter was buzzing during the Champions Dinner, the largest event staged by the Chamber in its 233-year history, in praise of a truly spectacular night.
The Belfast Waterfront team put on the champion of champions event for 900 guests including the legendary rugby player and guest speaker Paul O’Connell. Sumptuous food, courtesy of the venue’s catering partner Amadeus, top notch service delivered by from the front of house team and a show-stopping set up created a fabulous night for all who attended.
Susie McCullough, Director of Marketing & Sales at the venue, adds: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce to the new Belfast Waterfront. The local business community were the first to enjoy a brand new event experience at our wonderful venue. The chamber’s event clearly demonstrated our unique ability to host a spectacular and memorable banquet on such a grand scale. We’re now looking forward to welcoming many more prestigious events.”
Despite the first events being a runaway success Belfast Waterfront will not be resting on its laurels. The team are preparing to welcome the first conference guests attending the annual International Surgical Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) on Wednesday 11 May.
The £29.5 million investment by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, is expected to bring in £100 million for the local economy over the next five years.
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For further information on Belfast Waterfront contact Mary Owens, Conference Marketing Executive, on +44 (0)28 9033 4400 or email owensmary@waterfront.co.uk
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
The transformation of Belfast Waterfront into a world-class conference facility had a total cost of £29.5 million. £11 million was provided by the council, through its Investment programme for the city, £13.3 million from the European Regional Development Fund, through the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, and £5.24 million from Tourism NI.
New facilities, capable of hosting conferences, meetings and exhibitions, include a major hall, minor hall, three multi-purpose breakout rooms, state-of-the-art technology, two exterior terraces with stunning views over the River Lagan, dedicated riverside entrance and new reception area, alongside the current auditorium, studio and other meeting and breakout spaces.