Following our fantastic first full year as MeetBlackpool, it’s safe to say the entire team and our partners are both inspired and excited by what’s in store for 2024.
Since launching MeetBlackpool, our much-loved town has gone from strength to strength and is becoming known as a must-visit destination for event organisers and event professionals across the country.
It’s our mission to continue our upwards trajectory and expand on last year’s successes, which included the launch of Blackpool’s online booking platform, MeetBlackpoolRes, welcoming new partners to the MeetBlackpool team and facilitating successful Steering Group meetings to discuss the future of our town’s meeting and events offering and drive it forward.
2023 also marked the first full year of trading for The Winter Gardens Conference and Exhibition Centre, which has generated in excess of £2m in economic benefit for the town in 2023/2024 to-date.
As we step into 2024, we will continue to raise Blackpool’s profile as a premier destination for conferences, meetings, and events. This year is Blackpool’s year, and the town’s ambitious spirit can be seen in and among our latest developments from hospitality, to accommodation, to heritage and culture.
Here’s what I’m looking forward to witnessing in Blackpool over the coming months:
Holiday Inn Blackpool: a new hub for business and leisure
Spring 2024 will see the much-anticipated Holiday Inn Blackpool opens its doors. This state-of-the-art accommodation facility, located next to Blackpool North station as part of the town’s £350m Talbot Gateway development, will provide various employment opportunities and we look forward to seeing the local economy and community reaping the rewards of this venture.
The hotel has 144 bedrooms, a fitness suite, co-working spaces and contemporary meeting facilities. Celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, will open his New York Italian Restaurant within the hotel, adding a touch of ‘affordable glamour’ to Blackpool’s already thriving culinary scene.
Backlot Cinema: elevating the delegate experience
If you’re ever doubting Blackpool town’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, take a look at the Backlot Cinema project. The multi-million-pound development will feature nine screens, equipped with the latest technology, offering event organisers another unique and versatile space for meetings, presentations, and entertainment.
This innovative development is poised to be a game-changer for our town, and promises to enhance the delegate experience for those attending conferences and events in Blackpool with the further installations of e-sports gaming and ancillary areas, as well as a themed diner.
Showtown: celebrating Blackpool’s heritage
Blackpool’s newest attraction, Showtown, will open on the 15 March 2024, capturing the spirit and heritage of our resort. Located in the heart of the town, Showtown will provide guests with an immersive experience, allowing them to get up close and personal with the entertainers who put Blackpool on the map.
Showtown offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural richness of Blackpool. As delegates delve into the fascinating history and entertainment legacy of our town, we hope they will find inspiration and a deeper connection with the vibrant community that makes Blackpool what it is – and perhaps find a reason to return with friends or family to make more memories in the home of entertainment.
Our future: partners, people, and prosperity
The future of Blackpool’s business events scene is brighter than ever thanks to our committed partners, venues, fellow event professionals, and investors. With the opening of the Holiday Inn Blackpool, Backlot Cinema and the unveiling of Showtown, Blackpool is set to attract a diverse range of events, conferences, and exhibitions, demonstrating our commitment to providing world-class facilities for event organisers and business guests.
The collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors have paved the way for these transformative developments, and with the support of its partners and investors, Blackpool will continue thriving as a dynamic and innovative player in the business events industry. We look forward to seeing more of you in 2024.
