"We're helping reshape the conversation about Wales"
ICC Wales managing director Craig Bingham on why national ambition, regional strengths, and genuine collaboration make for a winning combination.
Craig Bingham
Craig Bingham
Less than a year into his role as managing director of ICC Wales, Craig Bingham sees the Newport venue not simply as somewhere to host conferences, but as part of the country's wider economic story.
"Wales is full of energy and opportunity, and ICC Wales is right at the heart of it," he explains. "Every event creates a ripple effect - from investment to innovation. We’re showing that world-class business events don’t need to be in major cities to deliver global impact."
It's a vision that goes beyond filling diary dates. For Bingham, business events create the connections that ultimately drive investment, collaboration and growth.
"Our goal is simple - connect the right people at the right time. Whether it’s tech, investment or government, these moments lead to real growth for Wales."
More than a convention centre
ICC Wales' position as a joint venture with the Welsh Government means its success is closely aligned with national economic priorities.
"Every event is an opportunity to show what Wales can do. When delegates leave inspired or connected, the country benefits. That’s why business events are a genuine driver of economic growth."
That role was underlined by December's Wales Investment Summit, which brought together nearly 350 global leaders and generated £16bn in investment commitments.
More recently, ICC Wales hosted the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 - the first time the event has ever been staged in the UK during its 98-year history.
More than 1,200 chefs, educators and hospitality professionals from almost 100 countries travelled to Wales for the four-day congress.
"It was a privilege to host Worldchefs in Wales and showcase our hospitality, produce and talent on a global stage. The impact goes beyond the event itself - it strengthens Wales as a destination for future international gatherings."
The power of partnership
Hosting events on that scale requires collaboration across far more than the venue itself.
Bingham is quick to acknowledge the contribution of colleagues and partners throughout Wales.
"High-profile events only succeed because of teamwork. From our operations, catering and AV teams to our partners across Wales, everyone plays a role in creating an exceptional experience. Every detail matters."
That collaborative approach, he believes, is becoming one of Wales' strongest competitive advantages.
A changing destination
Bingham also believes organisers are becoming more interested in destinations with a clear identity and sense of purpose.
"Organisers want more than scale - they want purpose. Wales offers that, with strong growth sectors, real innovation and a clear national direction."
He points to developments including Freeports, Investment Zones and the growth of life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology and green energy.
"What’s exciting about Wales is that growth isn’t concentrated in one place. Every region has its own strengths, but they’re connected by a shared vision around innovation, sustainability and inclusion. That’s increasingly attractive to event organisers because delegates want to experience destinations that have a genuine story to tell."
That extends to ICC Wales' location itself.
"Being outside a major city is one of our strengths. We can offer world-class facilities alongside authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, rich culture and genuine Welsh hospitality. Delegates can be immersed in the destination, not just attend an event."
Looking ahead
With international events such as the Wales Investment Summit and Worldchefs Congress now part of ICC Wales' growing portfolio, Bingham believes the venue has an important role to play in changing perceptions of Wales as a business events destination.
For him, the message is straightforward.
"Wales grows when people come together here. ICC Wales helps turn conversations into collaboration, and ambition into progress."
As destinations compete ever harder for international meetings and congresses, Bingham wants ICC Wales to be known not simply as a venue, but as a catalyst for the conversations that help shape Wales' future.
