Pictured above: David James, Chief Executive of Visit
Peak District & Derbyshire (right) and David Thornton, Head of
Marketing and Deputy Chief Executive at the tourist board,
celebrate the re-branding of Conference Derbyshire in true
Hollywood style
Hollywood glitz and glamour brought movie magic to Derby for the
glittering re-branding of Conference Derbyshire at the city's
award-winning Roundhouse.
More than 50 guests from key conference venues and suppliers
from both the city and county got the red carpet treatment at the
show-stopping event - which shone the spotlight on the company's
achievements in 2010 and its exciting plans for 2011.
Film tourism - building on the area's starring role as the
stunning backdrop for scores of Hollywood blockbusters, television
programmes and dramas - is stepping into the limelight to highlight
its assets as the five-star setting for a wide variety of
conferences and events.
"We are focusing on our two biggest strengths - the high quality
of service that we can offer and the unique appeal of Derby, the
Peak District and Derbyshire as the perfect place for business as
well as tourism," said David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak
District & Derbyshire, the area's official tourist board.
"Along with our design agency, Silver Birch Creative of Derby,
we are concentrating on what distinguishes our area from others
operating in the conference and events market - and we believe that
our reputation as a scenic location for films and TV programmes is
the ideal platform.
"The tourist board's new role, working with VisitEngland as a
pathfinder 'Destination of Distinction', and the power of working
with Derby-based Zibrant, one of the UK's leading venue finding and
event management companies, makes us a force to be reckoned
with."
David Thornton, Head of Marketing and Deputy Chief Executive at
the tourist board, outlined Conference Derbyshire's achievements so
far - such as a revamped website, regular e-blasts, popular
familiarisation trips and a successful partnership with East
Midlands Trains.
He unveiled the company's stylish new logo and branding and
unveiled its plans for 2011, including:
• More improvements to the website - including a link with
the tourist board's website to promote the 'Business Venue of the
Month'
• Establishing mutually-beneficial relationships with new
business partners
• Setting up a Conference Derbyshire Ambassadors Scheme in
partnership with Marketing Derby
• Star-studded promotional opportunities in a range of
partnership packages to suit all budgets and needs
Businesses that have already signed up for packages include
Chatsworth, Alton Towers, Hilton Hotels and Resorts and the
University of Derby. All those who pledged support at the launch -
which was sponsored by Roundhouse Events and Sounds Commercial -
were given their very own 'Oscar' to take home.