ICC Belfast win ABPCO Best Industry Partnership

ICC Belfast has been named the winner of the ABPCO (Association of British Professional Conference Organisers) Best Industry Partnership Award.

The award was in recognition of the partnership with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) whose 2018 Congress was hosted at ICC Belfast in May this year.

In February 2013 ICC Belfast and Visit Belfast, submitted a successful bid to host the RCN 2018 Annual Congress. The bid was further supported by Tourism Northern Ireland. The RCN Congress took place from 12 – 16 May 2018 and was the largest event held in the venue to date. The Annual Congress is the Association’s flagship debating forum and helps to inform the RCN's policies and work for the coming year.

The RCN Congress took place from 12 – 16 May 2018 and was the largest event held in the venue to date.

Approximately 5,000 delegates attended the Congress over the five-day period. The event organisers had venue exclusivity to accommodate a busy schedule of events, ranging from an awards ceremony, to debates on health and social care and even ‘Laughter Yoga’ workshops. This is the first time the conference has come to Belfast and the city welcomed delegates with open arms. Many of the delegates remarked on this warm welcome and the friendliness of the people, claiming it made them eager to plan a return visit.

ICC Belfast supported the event by investing in a bespoke integrated communications plan, which was comprised of three phases;

• Announcement
• Partner support and roll out of Team Belfast spokespeople
• Live event support

The conference gained widespread media coverage, the majority of which communicated the key message that the economic impact of the conference to Belfast’s economy is £4.8m, clearly illustrating how when ICC Belfast wins, everyone wins.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Oonagh O’Reilly, Director of Sales & Marketing at ICC Belfast commented: “The RCN Congress 2018 was a resounding success. Steve Jenkinson, his team, the delegates and exhibitors had an amazing time in Belfast.

“For those five days in May RCN Congress made Belfast their home and they will always be welcomed back by Team Belfast. The partnership showcased Belfast as a flagship destination in which to deliver a conference experience like no other.

“And helped to leave a lasting legacy that will help us to create a better future for everyone in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Today, tomorrow and beyond.”