HIC Talk

UKSG has confirmed it will host its annual conference and exhibition at Harrogate International Centre (HIC) in 2014 and 2017 following the success of the event at the venue in 2011.  Revenues from the two shows are likely to be in excess of £130,000.

The organisation held its 34th annual conference and exhibition at HIC for the first time earlier this year and as the result of positive feedback from the 850 delegates  it has decided to come back for a further two years. UKSG spans a wide range of interests and activities across the scholarly information community of librarians, publishers, intermediaries and technology vendors. During the three day event, UKSG utilised the 2,000 seat auditorium for its plenary sessions, Hall Q for its exhibition stands and the Royal Hall for social events.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s cabaret all the way at Harrogate International Centre (HIC). The largest venue in the North of England has received a record number of enquiries for cabaret style set up at events and conferences.

In the last 12 months, HIC has seen a massive 55% increase in the number of organisers enquiring about cabaret style seating over traditional theatre style arrangements. It believes this is because organisers are looking for better value for money and increased delegate interaction. One of the biggest benefits of cabaret style is it creates a relatively informal seating arrangement allowing delegates to communicate more effectively throughout the day.

Read the rest of this entry »

As the £13 million project to increase capacity at Harrogate International Centre (HIC) nears completion, a host of event organisers and buyers were invited to preview the new halls via an out of this world space themed experience.

The construction of Halls H and G has created two new stars at the North’s largest conference centre enhancing HIC’s reputation as a leading events destination. Capacity at the venue has been increased by 20% and features include:

•    Additional 3,100m2 exhibition space •    Banqueting capacity of 1,500 guests •    Underground car park •    Spectacular new entrance •    Excellent green credentials

Read the rest of this entry »

A £13 million expansion project at Harrogate International Centre (HIC) is due to be completed in December, creating two new stars at the premier conference and event venue, which is located halfway between London and Edinburgh. The project to construct Halls H and G has taken 18 months to complete and creates an additional 3,100m2 of exhibition space – a 20% increase in capacity.  The additional halls will also provide Harrogate with significant additional space for evening events, complementing the town’s friendly and intimate atmosphere.

The development, carried out by Wates Construction, included work to improve public areas and landscaping along Kings Road, the building of a new registration atrium with direct access to the Queen’s Suite, Hall D, Kings Suite and a new outdoor piazza. A street level entrance directly into Hall Q has also been created along with additional car parking facilities underneath the new halls.

Read the rest of this entry »

Following the success of their event at Harrogate International Centre(HIC) in September, the organisers of the Renewables Roadshow have signed up to hold the event at the venue again in 2012.

Harrogate was one of six Renewables Roadshow venues and attracted a large audience of environment industry professionals. With more exhibitors signing up and more visitors expected, organisers needed to increase the shows’ floor space for 2012. They were so impressed by the range and flexibility of the spaces HIC offers, organisers signed up for next year’s event on the spot.

Read the rest of this entry »

We thought it was time you got to know some more of the team at Harrogate International Centre (HIC). This month we talk to marketing assistant Lynne Hudson.

I’ve worked at HIC for 20 years and during that time the centre and my role has changed beyond recognition…  No day in the office is ever the same because you’re never working on the same thing, which is one of the reasons I enjoy my work so much – variety. I’m involved in all sorts of marketing activities including the sending e-shots, direct mail and brochures, as well as promoting forthcoming events.

Read the rest of this entry »

Following the success of an event held by fashion retailer Joules in December 2010; Harrogate International Centre, one of the UK’s largest venue’s, has focused on new business within the retail sector.

Head of sales and marketing for HIC, Alison Griffin, said: “Despite the on-going challenges faced by retailers, we have significantly increased our share of retail related events during the last three months.  These include new signings as well as additional business from old clients.  Harrogate is synonymous with a high quality retail experience so it is no surprise we are an ideal location for brands wishing to engage with key audiences.”

Read the rest of this entry »

On Tuesday 3 August, Harrogate International Centre (HIC) signed a three year deal that will see the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair and the Harrogate Nursery Fair remain in Harrogate until at least 2015.

Both shows will be expanding to make use of HIC’s new event halls – due to be completed in late 2011. The events will have a substantial economic impact on the destination, bringing in excess of £10 million revenue each year to the town and district.

Robert Anslow, a director of the two shows, commented: “HIC has invested more than £11 million in their new halls and we are keen to demonstrate our own desire to continue investing in the venue and destination by committing to holding our events here for at least the next three years.  The Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair first came to Harrogate more than 60 years ago, when it was simply called the Harrogate Toy Fair.  During this time we have seen dramatic changes in HIC’s offering in terms of both space and facilities.  However, the one thing that has remained constant is the service levels and desire to work in partnership, helping us create industry renowned shows. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 marks 50 golden years of the Home and Gift trade show at the Harrogate International Centre (HIC) bringing almost £6 million to the local economy each year.

The HIC and the town will be buzzing from 17 to 20 July when 17 venues, including all eight exhibition halls at HIC, will be welcoming over 12,000 visitors and buyers from 39 countries.

As the largest annual trade show to be held at the HIC  with exhibitors selling giftware, home accessories, fashion, greetings and stationery for the autumn season, it is crucial for retailers who want to beat the rush and stock up with inspired purchases for the Christmas and New Year period.

The event is organised by Clarion Events, the UK’s largest independent exhibition organiser. As a testament to the show’s growth over the years and its success in becoming an exhibition of choice for manufacturers and retailers, more than 900 exhibitors will attend this year’s show. Read the rest of this entry »

Harrogate International Centre, which has achieved a remarkable £180 million for the local economy during the 2010/11 financial year, has attributed its success to its marketing and sales strategy.

HIC’s head of sales and marketing; Alison Griffin said: “Our success in the last financial year would not have been possible had we not adopted a range of new and exciting marketing strategies. We knew the challenges that the industry was facing because of the global recession but were determined to create more opportunities for business by being creative and optimising our marketing and sales avenues. We decided to go that extra mile by taking a few risks and using whatever resources we had. Some of the strategies we adopted were quite simple and cost effective like making extensive use of social media. We needed to have faith in our team and I am pleased to report that it paid great dividends.” Read the rest of this entry »