HIC Talk

Harrogate International Centre’s stand (B326) for Confex 2011 will feature a live feed from a Harrogate based webcam, bringing the town, and in particular the new development work at HIC to International Confex.  Visitors will also have the chance to meet Angus Houston, HIC’s new director.

HIC’s stand will demonstrate the contrasting opportunities available to organisers in Harrogate by showcasing the town’s chic and opulent offering alongside its cutting edge growth and technological offerings.

HIC’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Alison Griffin: “Harrogate is a meeting point for creativity, culture and professionalism – key attributes we intend to demonstrate through our activities at International Confex 2011.  The stand will be the perfect reflection of Harrogate’s offering, whilst the use of a large video screen will allow us to feed live from our webcam, clearly showing attendees the pace of HIC’s development and growth.”

The screen will also be used to engage with HIC’s expanding social media audience as well as presentations and information about the venue.

Alison continues:  “It is vital that we use every means possible to engage with audiences and potential clients.  Social Media is a growing part of our marketing mix and this technology will allow us to bring online communication into our face to face exposure, creating a legacy of engagement from our attendance at International Confex.”

Angus Houston, HIC’s recently appointed director (due to start work in January) will also be attending International Confex.  He will be available for meetings and informal discussions.

Alison concludes:  “Angus’ attendance at the show will also provide an opportunity for him to meet key contacts and further develop relationships that will support HIC through the final stages of development and launch of our new events halls.”

HIC will be exhibiting at International Confex from 1-3 March, 2011 at Earls Court, London on Stand No. B326.

Communications and PR specialist, Soaring Worldwide has recently been selected by the Harrogate International Centre to take on the management and planning of its PR activities and reputation management.

The PR campaign is aimed at raising the profile of HIC across the business events industry using both traditional PR and social media marketing techniques.

Soaring Worldwide has extensive knowledge of the business events industry and will be helping HIC focus on its core market. HIC is about to undertake a multi-million pound development of its facilities, adding two new flexible event spaces.

HIC, brand manager, Lynne Farrow: “We have chosen to work with Soaring Worldwide to benefit from their extensive industry knowledge and understanding of our market.  HIC is growing rapidly and the launch of the new event spaces will mark a new phase in our expansion plans.  It is the perfect time to start raising our profile and we were keen to work with a team that combines expertise with a love of the destination and venue.”

Soaring Worldwide’s, managing director, Adam Baggs: “Working with HIC is already proving to be an incredibly rewarding experience.  Both HIC and Harrogate have so much to offer and we are truly excited at the prospect and challenge of increasing their profile across a range of media and markets.”

Harrogate International Centre has made two new strategic appointments to strengthen its sales and marketing capability.

Alison Griffin returns as head of sales and marketing on a short term contract and Paul Ashton, formerly with G-Mex (now Manchester Central), is to take up duties as sales manager.

Alison Griffin returns to a role that will see her overseeing all aspects of the venue’s sales and marketing activity, including the launch of two new event spaces which are due to be built over the course of the next year.

Paul Ashton, a seasoned sales professional with considerable industry knowledge and experience, takes up his post in July and his initial focus will be to increase proactive sales in HIC’s core markets to match the venue’s unique portfolio of conference, meetings, exhibition and event spaces.

Harrogate International Centre director, Stuart Quin: “Alison and Paul join at a crucial time for HIC, we are undergoing extensive reviews of our management structure, as we direct our sales and marketing focus to create a greater solution oriented approach to sales and event management.”

“We look forward to the impact Alison and Paul will have on both the team and the future of our business.  Like many other venues, HIC has faced broader industry challenges such as smaller budgets, shorter events and lower delegate numbers during the last year.  Instead of sitting back, our sales team has worked more closely than ever with clients helping them to develop their events through new products and services.”

“Alison has a visible track record in raising the marketing profile of HIC and returns to provide strong management direction and motivation to both marketing and sales teams.  It is really good to welcome Paul Ashton to HIC. His wealth of experience gained in Manchester and elsewhere, and his knowledge of organisers and large UK and international events, should prove instrumental in delivering an increased number of events to Harrogate.”