FAQS

What is ICC Belfast?

ICC Belfast is Northern Ireland's only purpose-built international convention centre boasting over two decades of experience in delivering world-class events.

When did ICC Belfast open?

The venue first opened in 1997 as the Waterfront Hall, playing host to a galaxy of entertainment and conferencing events. In 2016, the £29.5m redevelopment, which was funded by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund significantly increased the capacity of the venue. The dedicated ICC Belfast conferencing brand was launched in 2018.

What makes ICC Belfast different from other international convention centres?

ICC Belfast's spaces and facilities are world-class, flexible, and accessible. The venue is located in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant and flourishing cities and the compact nature of Belfast makes for a citywide conference experience like no other.

When a conference or event comes to Belfast our collaborative approach with key city partners means that organisers, delegates, exhibitors and sponsors can be guaranteed a true sense of ownership of the city.

How accessible is Belfast as a destination?

The city of Belfast is served by two main airports, Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), which are located 19 miles and three miles from ICC Belfast respectively. Belfast is also an ideal connection hub for travelling further afield and is a 90-minute transfer from Dublin Airport, which offers even more international route options including daily direct flights and connections to the Middle East, Asia and North America.

Is there a car parking facility on site?

ICC Belfast is located in Belfast city centre, which offers visitors access to a wide range of car parking facilities within walking distance to the convention centre. For more information on how a visitor can park at our venue click here.

We do not offer on-site car parking however we do operate a load in and out via our service yard for exhibitions. Please speak to your event manager for further information.

I am unable to use the stairs. Can I access all the levels of the venue?
Yes, we have lift access across the venue. All lifts have spoken messages indicating which floor the lift is on and whether the doors are opening and closing. Grab bars have been installed inside all lifts.

Accessible toilets are available on every floor, these are accessible via lifts across the venue.

Is there a Changing Places toilet available? 

Yes, one of the two Changing Places toilets in Belfast city centre is located in the Riverside Foyer area of the venue, with the other located in Belfast City Hall. Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for severely disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

I want to send materials to the venue for my conference, where do I send these to?

If you are an event organiser, please liaise with your assigned Event Manager for further information or refer to the organiser's guide. If you are a delegate, please speak with the event organiser.

Can you provide an exhibition floor plan?

Your Event Manager can assist in designing a tabletop exhibition only. If your exhibition area contains any structures, shell schemes or free space, the design of which will be the responsibility of your appointed Principal Designer. Your Event Manager can assist the Principal Designer with this task and advise whether the layout is compliant with our Building Control Regulations.

Are animals allowed in the venue?

We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other assistance dogs at ICC Belfast. We are unable to accommodate any other animals in the venue unless pre-authorised as part of an event schedule.

Are power and electricity included for events?

Power is not included as standard but can be arranged via your Event Manager. If you are an exhibitor, please contact your event organiser who can arrange this for you with the venue.