The Bristol area is set to significantly increase its capacity for large scale conferences, exhibitions and events following the announcement of three major developments in the city.
Meet Bristol and Bath, the official Convention Bureau for Bristol, Bath and the surrounding region, anticipates that these increased capacities will put Bristol alongside destinations such as, Glasgow and Manchester for delegate capacity.
In North Bristol, the YTL Arena Bristol will be the largest indoor arena and exhibition centre in the South. With a total 19,000 capacity, the East Hangar will offer 6,000 sqm of pillar free floorspace and a 20m ceiling height. This is set to open between late 2025 and early 2026.
Bristol Beacon will reopen on 30 November 2023, following a five-year transformation project. The refurbished music venue in the centre of Bristol has seen improvements to its spaces, with the 2,000-plus capacity Beacon Hall, the 500-capacity Lantern Hall and the new 200-capacity Weston Cellar.
Ashton Gate Sports and Convention Centre Photo Credit: SuppliedThe new Ashton Gate Sports and Convention Centre will sit alongside the current stadium with 4,000 sqm floorspace and a 232-room hotel, with work expected to start later this summer.
Helen Applin, head of business events at Meet Bristol and Bath Convention Bureau said: “The next three years will see an exciting transformation for Bristol as the city repositions itself on the international stage.
“These developments will further enhance our reputation as a destination for business events, driving new business to the region and growing our local economy.”
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
