The Annual National Conference of Visitor Attractions (VAC 2021) returned to The QEII Centre on 7 October for the 18th consecutive year.
The organiser’s unwavering loyalty towards the leading London venue once again highlighted QEII’s ability to deliver above and beyond any expected service levels.
The theme of this year’s conference, which saw 180 delegates from across the visitor attraction industry meet in person, was centred around the sector’s revival.
Following the challenges of the last 18 months, it aimed to inspire attraction owners and managers from across the UK to share innovative thinking and best industry practice as well as plan for recovery and enter the new world with increased confidence.
Objective
To help VAC 2021 achieve its objective of bringing the best minds in the industry together, QEII hosted the conference in its large versatile ground floor room The Churchill, while its open plan space The Pickwick, offering stunning views of Westminster Abbey, was used as exhibition space.
Both areas provided ample space for attendees representing parks and gardens, historical or heritage centres, theme parks, museums and galleries as well as zoos or science and discovery centres, to discuss and explore creative ideas to help aid the recovery and return to profitability.
Execution
QEII Live’s in-house AV team supported the VAC 2021 team in its delivery of a full and detailed day of presentations from 20 leading speakers. The experts included the Minister for Tourism Nigel Huddleston MP, Nick Varney the chief executive at Merlin Entertainment and Bernard Donoghue, Director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA).
This industry-leading and seamless AV support, combined with the centre’s flagship large and well-structured The Churchill room, allowed the conference to cover a wide array of industry topics, all within one day.
To create the first-floor exhibition and networking space, QEII’s event team supplied and assembled 15 tabletop stands in The Pickwick for exhibitors including VisitEngland, BVA-BDRC, Tor Systems and LovetoVisit, to enable exhibitors and the event organisers the freedom to focus on enhancing their relationships with delegates rather than being concerned with logistics.
Sharing insights, data and innovative thinking at a time when businesses need it most was another crucial objective of the conference. Working in collaboration with VAC, QEII created a wonderful networking platform offering end of day drinks to give the guests time to properly discuss the industry moving forward.
Meanwhile, the centre’s award-winning in-house catering team QEII Taste, provided a delicious blend of hot and cold bowls including North Sea fish and chips, a classic Caesar salad and a vegetarian shepherd’s pie for delegates, crew, attendees, and speakers.
Results
Feedback from delegates reported VAC 2021 was an overwhelming success delivered to the highest industry standards set by the QEII team.
Following the event, Susan Hayden, Operations Director of VAC 2021, said:
“There was a definite thrill in the air, the atmosphere was brilliant, everyone was so pleased to be back together again whether as an attendee or behind the scenes and the QEII staff contributed to that. From the AV team, the caterers and the charming security staff undertaking Lateral Flow Tests, everyone was made to feel so very welcome. It was like coming home!
“It is special, there is no other venue or team like it in my experience. So many familiar faces, continuity of staff with great relationships formed over the years, the QEII is welcoming, friendly and hospitable. The superb location and facilities never disappoint. I am a great fan and hope to work again with the Centre in the future.”