So, despite the recession we are thrilled to see that there are a number of companies out there that still understand the importance of developing their staff and keeping the morale up. Conference bookings and events generally are up, and that can only be a good thing.
We see the events industry as a kind of economic barometer – let’s face it, when things are bad, the first budget to be slashed is the ‘fun’ coffers. And we lost a number of events last year, often not even because clients couldn’t afford the event, but because they couldn’t be seen to be spending the money. Not when redundancies are rife and morale low. But the upturn in our sector can only be a positive thing, and we’re feeling definitely much more optimistic. Helps that the sun’s been shining too!
As with every new year start there is always an element of nail biting and pockets of people hooking up to give their ‘humble’ opinion on what the year ahead will bring – or not (and this year has to be the worst for a long time!). So you can imagine our glee when we received a conference update that read that Brighton has already secured 20 major conferences for 2010. From the British Orthodontic Society (1500 delegates) to the New frontiers (2000 delegates), The Association of Librarians to The Chartered Institute of Public Relations – it’s all going on down here. Fantastic work Brighton!
Whilst it is of course without hesitation that we recommend our destination and all there is on offer for conferences, particularly associations, we put our money where our mouth is last month and exhibited at CONFEX 2010 this year with VisitBrighton and a number of our venue partners, showcasing our creative team building options, conference itinerary service, meeting planning opportunity and entertainment solutions. Pleased to report that the show was well attended, particularly on Day 2, again indicating a rise in confidence that certainly brings a smile of relief to the faces in Pretty Clever Towers.

Anyone interested in keeping up with Pretty Clever can become our ‘fan’ on facebook – click here. It’s a good way to catch pictures of our events (including the stand at CONFEX) and day to day news in the office. We’re a fascinating and hardworking lot, you’d be amazed what we get up to!