1. Conference Desks Jackie Inskipp, Destination Milton Keynes
Laura Dickson, Kent Conference Bureau

2. Kent Conference Bureau
Set up
Financial Structure
Services

3. 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

4. Public/ Private partnership
Initiative by Maidstone Borough Council
Other Public Sector partners:
Visit Kent
Heart of Kent Consortium
Canterbury City Council
Kent County Council

5. 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!

6. Type of funding/partners
Public/private sector partnership
% : 15%
% : 67%

7. Membership Package Two year commitment to membership
Annual membership fees from £220-£1100
Additional cost every other year for directory entry £165 - £550

8. New Funding Streams ERDF Interreg IIIa Commission
Marketing opportunities for member
Two year membership package

9. Membership benefits Marketing and Business development
Education and Networking
Communications and research

10. Services to Clients Venue finding Service 48 page venue directory
Website with a detailed venue search
Preparation of bid documents and presentation
Information and impartial advice on conference venues, attractions, support services and special events

11. 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

12. Enquiry handling Full service enquiry or brochure only
Response to request for proposals (rfp’s)
Code of Practice

13. Chaser BUREAU Software
Holds comprehensive details Venues , Suppliers and Attractions
Full Enquiry details
40 Reports including enquiry conversion, economic impact, lost business

14. Chaser WEB module
Integrated Chaser BUREAU with our website
Information updated to website always up to date
Enquiries online download onto system

15. The Future Still low core funding Maintain/ find new partnerships
Memberships due for renewal in 2009
Find new funding opportunities/partnerships