Businesses from across the area discovered the wider economic benefits of being part of a proactive push to raise Derbyshire's profile as a conference destination at a series of fact-finding forums.

Conference Derbyshire - the business tourism arm of official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire - welcomed guests at three key venues to outline the advantages of joining its drive to market the area's assets to a local, regional and national audience.

Sessions were held at Derby Enterprise Centre, The Devonshire Dome in Buxton and Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, attended by Nick Jordan, Chairman of Conference Derbyshire; David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and David Thornton, the tourist board's Head of Marketing and Deputy Chief Executive.

Guests learned all about Conference Derbyshire and the value of business tourism to the national economy, and heard testimonials from current members outlining the benefits of working with the marketing-driven consortium.

Nick Dumbell, General Manager of the Marriott Breadsall Priory, said: "I've worked in many areas of the UK, including London, during my career, and can honestly say that Conference Derbyshire is the most professional conference desk I have ever worked with."

Stuart Downham, General Manager of Casa Hotel, added: "Conference Derbyshire gives the county's venues a voice on a national level - allowing them to reach conference buyers directly and effectively.

"Its website and monthly e-shots help to showcase our key assets - such as our central location and great range of venues - and help to generate interest and business.

"Conference Derbyshire offers the ideal platform for us to pool our resources and work collectively to promote the benefits of bringing conferences, events and weddings to the county."

David Thornton unveiled a string of marketing initiatives designed to offer even better value for Conference Derbyshire members, including a promotional film, a designated wedding page on the Conference Derbyshire website and a 'best for business' link on the tourist board's website home page.

"The forums have proved very successful," said Nick Jordan, Chairman of Conference Derbyshire.

"Conference Derbyshire has experienced two years of steady growth during challenging times, but with much more focus on marketing and PR planned over the next year, this is an exciting time for conference venues to work with us.

"We're hoping more will join us in our quest to market the area as a conveniently-situated, easily reached place to do business - combining the very best of both city and country, right at the heart of the UK."

More information about Conference Derbyshire is available at www.conference-derbyshire.co.uk, or from Sales Manager Rachel Guest on 01246 212924, 07766 077665 or at rachel.guest@visitpeakdistrict.com.