[ad_1]

The Bristol area is gearing up for a significant expansion in its capacity to host large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and events, thanks to three major developments slated for the city between 2023 and 2026. Meet Bristol and Bath, the official Convention Bureau for Bristol, Bath, and the surrounding region, expects these expansions to position Bristol alongside renowned destinations like Glasgow and Manchester in terms of delegate capacity.
In North Bristol, the YTL Arena Bristol is on track to become the largest indoor arena and exhibition center in the South. Featuring a total capacity of 19,000, the East Hangar will provide 6,000 square meters of pillar-free floor space and a 20-meter ceiling height, making it ideal for exhibitions and conferences. This venue is scheduled to open in 2026/27.
Having reopened successfully in November 2023, Bristol Beacon, the city’s largest concert hall, is now hosting a variety of events including orchestral concerts, stand-up comedy, dance music events, and band nights. Following a £131 million refurbishment over five years, the venue has been transformed into a modern, accessible, state-of-the-art facility. It now boasts two international standard performance venues—the 2,000-plus capacity Beacon Hall and the 500-capacity Lantern Hall—along with a new restaurant and the 200-capacity Weston Cellar, repurposed as an education and performance space.
Wake The Tiger, the world’s first Amazement Park®, has recently expanded to offer a new level of its groundbreaking art walk-through experience, targeting the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market. Featuring ten new rooms, two slides, nostalgic elements, and immersive installations, the alternate world of Meridia and the OUTERverse offers a playful experience for business travelers to engage with.
Additionally, the upcoming Ashton Gate Sports and Convention Centre will complement the existing stadium with 4,000 square meters of floor space and a 232-room hotel. Construction is expected to begin later this summer. This development will bring the Bristol Flyers Basketball team to BS3 alongside Bristol City and Bristol Bears, enhancing Ashton Gate’s reputation as a versatile venue for sports, entertainment, and business events.
As part of Visit West, Meet Bristol and Bath operates as a not-for-profit organization focused on growing business opportunities and promoting the region as a premier destination for business events, including association and incentive travel, both domestically and internationally.
Helen Applin, Head of Business Events at Meet Bristol and Bath Convention Bureau explains:
“The next three years will see an exciting transformation for Bristol as the city repositions itself on the international stage. These developments will further enhance our reputation as a destination for business events, driving new business to the region and growing our local economy.
“Having strong rail links to much of the UK, an international gateway in Bristol Airport and close proximity to London, , the region is now widely regarded as a major destination , with Bristol and Bath just 11 minutes apart and surrounded by beautiful countryside, and the stunning north Somerset coastline.
The post Massive Expansion in Bristol’s Conference and Event Hosting Capacity on the Horizon appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
[ad_2]
Source link