Pictured above:  Helen Peden, Conference and Events Manager at The Roundhouse, Derby College (left) and Lindsay Rae, Quality, Skills and Business Support Manager at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Almost 4,000 people discovered the delights of doing business or spending a holiday in the Peak District & Derbyshire at a major national events showcase at the NEC Birmingham.

Conference Derbyshire joined forces with sister company Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to promote the area's prime assets as both a business and leisure destination at Event UK 2010.

And lucky visitor Bradley Atkinson won the chance to enjoy the Peak District & Derbyshire's charms at first hand - by scooping a 'money can't buy' weekend in a prize draw, worth more than £2,000.

"I am thrilled to have won, and, as I have never visited Derbyshire before, I can't wait to start exploring thanks to this fantastic prize," he said. "I'd like to say a very big thank you to the businesses, and would recommend anyone working in Events and Marketing to visit Event UK next year - it was a very valuable experience of learning and networking."

Bradley's five-star prize includes:

• Two nights' complimentary B&B for four people at the area's newest venue, the four-star Casa Hotel in Chesterfield

• Two nights' complimentary B&B for four people at The Cathedral Quarter Hotel, Derby

• An activity day for four courtesy of Staffordshire Moorlands-based Peak Pursuits

• Four complimentary tickets to Alton Towers

• Four complimentary tickets to Chatsworth (house and gardens) and traditional afternoon tea for four in the Cavendish Rooms

• A complimentary meeting room for up to 20 people, including tea, coffee and lunch, at IGEM, Kegworth

• 'Behind the scenes' tour of Pride Park Stadium and The Roundhouse in Derby

• A Derby Ghost Tour for four

Also sharing the stand were Casa Hotel, Chatsworth, IGEM, Peak Pursuits, Pride Park Stadium and The Roundhouse, Derby.

"As the area's official tourist board and business tourism arm, we felt it made sense to join forces to showcase the many advantages of coming here to do business or relax during an enjoyable leisure break," said David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

"Targeting key professionals in the UK's meetings and events industry, Event UK 2010 proved the ideal platform to promote everything from our central, convenient location at the heart of the UK to our huge choice of business venues, accommodation options and attractions - blending the very best of town and country.

"We had lots of enquiries from people keen to find out what the Peak District and Derbyshire has to offer, and over the next few months will be looking to convert their expressions of interest into concrete bookings, to attract more business and leisure-related income into the area in the future."