Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is set to be showcased at The Meetings Show this June. The venue’s events team will present the South Coast venue’s recent renovations, digital upgrades, and brand-new meeting and hospitality facilities to conference and exhibition organisers and buyers from around the UK and overseas.

To upgrade the venue’s conferencing and exhibition spaces, more than £1.8 million has recently been invested into the four-hall venue by BCP Council supported by additional funding of £800K by venue operator, BH Live.

Refurbished rooms frequently used as workshop areas and syndicate rooms are modern, bright, and installed with new AV tech. Digital signage and screens throughout the venue provide engaging event communication and a platform to showcase event partners and provide clients with sponsorship opportunities.

A fresh indoor and outdoor dining experience – Elevate Brasserie & Bar – has also opened at the BIC. With stunning sea views and a seasonal menu providing meals, drinks and light bites, visiting delegates and exhibitors have a new improved space to network or enjoy event downtime.

Improvements are being carried out in two event spaces looking towards Dorset’s Jurassic coastline. They include a new living roof at the venue’s Purbeck Hall entrance and a foyer remodelled with brand-new bathroom facilities. This will create a more welcoming experience for visitors to events such as dinners, exhibitions and the seasonal Cool Coast Ice Rink which operates during the winter season.

The Purbeck Lounge, which sits adjacent to the Purbeck Hall, a flexible space that can be used for breakout areas, dinners, and receptions overlooking stunning views, will receive a full refurbishment to increase the space’s capacity.

Business events, conferences, and exhibitions are an integral feature of Bournemouth’s economic landscape bringing year-round footfall through business tourism to the coast. Known for attracting high-profile clients from around the UK and Europe, the BIC attracts leading charities, trade unions, professional associations, religious institutions, corporate clients, and public sector organisations.

Major trade shows and high-profile conferences such as political parties, union congresses and medical associations are also regular visitors. Exhibitions throughout the year include gin festivals, gaming expos, and pop culture conventions such as Bournemouth Film & Comic Con.

The impact of bringing these events to the region is felt far beyond the venue’s walls overspilling into the wider community supporting other local businesses such as accommodation providers, restaurants, retail, transport and more. This generates millions of pounds in economic benefit and also supports local employment across multiple sectors beyond the venue itself.

BH Live’s events team will be on hand at The Meetings Show to highlight this flagship venue’s events packages including team-building events, conferences, exhibitions, dinners and talks.

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

Sarah Stainer, Conference & Exhibitions Manager for BH Live, shared;
“Over the past twelve months, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) has been significantly. We are delighted to return to the Meetings Show this year with more fantastic highlights to share than ever. This recent investment into the BIC has strengthened our reputation as one of the largest leading conference and exhibitions centres along the South coast. We can’t wait to meet buyers and show why Bournemouth remains the coast that offers the most and is a great choice for their next event.”

Councillor Mike Cox, Portfolio Holder for Finance at BCP Council said:

“As one of the South Coast’s leading venues, the Bournemouth International Centre is a huge asset to our area, and we are proud of our £1.8m investment in its facilities.

“The council’s investment and the additional improvement works, recently carried out by BH Live, really brings it in line with other modern venues across the country and ensures that we continue to attract top events Bournemouth.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the next phase of the project – in particular the living roof on the entrance to the Purbeck Hall which should be a great addition to this fantastic venue.”

The Meetings Show takes place 19-20 June 2024, at ExCeL, London.