Despite the challenging conditions currently affecting the global economy, thousands of visitors from all over the world will descend on Birmingham in June to attend one of the biggest conventions to be held in the UK for 20 years.
More than 18,000 people from 151 different countries have already registered to attend the 100th Rotary International Convention, taking place at The NEC from 20 – 24 June and pre-convention Peace Symposium, which will be addressed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The convention, secured for the city by the host club the Rotary Club of Birmingham, Marketing Birmingham in partnership with Birmingham City Council, The NEC Group and supported strongly by Advantage West Midlands, , is expected to attract up to 20,000 people and generate an estimated £19.5m for the regional economy. More than £2.5 million worth of business has already been placed with local businesses through Birmingham Convention Bureau and the Host Organising Committee alone, in hotel bookings and event tickets.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham said: ”We are well on track to reach the 20,000 target and possibly even exceed it. Once you factor in those people who will bring partners with them and those who will extend their stay to make the most of the several thousand mile trip, this really is major news for the city and region.
“Rotary International is a very influential organisation and many of its members are international business leaders, opinion formers and decision makers. To have these people gather in Birmingham during such challenging times is a real opportunity to showcase the city, change perceptions and position Birmingham as a top city for business and leisure.”
Birmingham is pulling out all the stops to welcome Rotarians and encourage them to explore the city and region during their stay. One highlight of the social programme will see a host of cultural performances and special events staged in the city centre’s public squares for visitors to enjoy.
Rotary is an organisation of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotary members in about 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. The convention was last held in Birmingham in 1984.
Brian Fuller CBE, Chairman of the Host Organising Committee said: ”It is a tremendous honour for us to host such a high profile and important event as the 100th Rotary convention. This global gathering of business and professional leaders will exchange ideas and exhibit projects that reflect our organization’s commitment to promoting peace, and to addressing such critical issues as hunger, poverty, disease and illiteracy.”
This article was posted by Marketing Birmingham.
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