Conference Desks Jackie Inskipp, Destination Milton Keynes Laura Dickson, Kent Conference Bureau
Kent Conference Bureau Set up Financial Structure Services
Kent Conference Bureau Originally set up in 1997 as Maidstone Conference Bureau In 1998/9 became Maidstone, Medway and Kent Conference Bureau Finally known as Kent Conference Bureau
Public/ Private partnership Initiative by Maidstone Borough Council Other Public Sector partners: Visit Kent Heart of Kent Consortium Canterbury City Council Kent County Council
Private Sector Partners From 31 venues in 1997 to 64 venue members in 2008 Hotels, Conference centres, attractions, unusual venues Covers all of Kent .. And beyond!
Type of funding/partners Public/private sector partnership 2000 85% : 15% 2007 33% : 67%
Membership Package Two year commitment to membership Annual membership fees from £220-£1100 Additional cost every other year for directory entry £165 - £550
New Funding Streams ERDF Interreg IIIa Commission Marketing opportunities for member Two year membership package
Membership benefits Marketing and Business development Education and Networking Communications and research
Services to Clients Venue finding Service 48 page venue directory Website with a detailed venue search www.conferencekent.co.uk Preparation of bid documents and presentation Information and impartial advice on conference venues, attractions, support services and special events
Services to clients On- line accommodation booking service for conferences Arrangement of site inspection visits Familiarisation visits Transport arrangements Advice and booking of social and partner programmes Applications for civic receptions
Enquiry handling Full service enquiry or brochure only Response to request for proposals (rfp’s) Code of Practice
Chaser BUREAU Software Holds comprehensive details Venues , Suppliers and Attractions Full Enquiry details 40 Reports including enquiry conversion, economic impact, lost business
Chaser WEB module Integrated Chaser BUREAU with our website www.conferencekent.co.uk Information updated to website always up to date Enquiries online download onto system
The Future Still low core funding Maintain/ find new partnerships Memberships due for renewal in 2009 Find new funding opportunities/partnerships