£2.3bn meetings & events buying power descends on Manchester

Sept. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- The HBAA, representing a buying power of £2.3bn on meetings and events, has drawn over 300 of the UK’s key agents, venues and hotels together at the Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.  

Buyers have been drawn to Manchester for the association’s Annual Forum and to understand the scope for hosting events in the city.  A highlight of the HBAA’s calendar of events, 2011’s two day Forum  focussed on ‘Future Vision’;  from personal development to emergent technologies and the economic climate for the sector.

A keynote presentation from Paul Simpson, Marketing Manchester, set the scene for delegates and enabled them to understand the huge opportunities that exist for hosting meetings and events in the rejuvenated city.

Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel was a key sponsor for the 13th Annual Forum and provided un-rivalled levels of service for the most ardent buyers of meeting and events.

David Daly, general manager, Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel said, “It has been a delight to host the HBAA 2011 Annual Forum.  We have had a fantastic opportunity to showcase our hotel, which not only has the International Suite but has the ancillary facilities and bedrooms to complement this great product”.    

He continued, “I am delighted for my team to be given this opportunity to display the quality of service to match the unique property that is the Ramada Piccadilly Hotel in the heart of Manchester”.    

Juliet Price, Chair of HBAA said, “David and his team have given us a Forum to remember with exceptional levels of service and a fantastic product.  The city is an inspiring destination for meeting buyers and we are delighted that so many agents have seen first-hand what Manchester has to offer”.

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About the HBAA:

• The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) was formed in 1997 and now consists of 99 agents and 200 venue members. The association has an annual buying power in excess of £2.3bn.
• Member agents are specialists in making hotel accommodation, conference and event reservations as their core business.
• Member venues are comprised of the leading hotel chains, training centres and independent hotels and venues.
• The HBAA comprises a committee of 12 industry figureheads who oversee separate committees including: technology, partnerships, memberships, marketing & PR, events and education.
• Twitter: HBAA2011
• www.hbaa.org.uk