The new Belfast Waterfront received rave reviews at both the Lord Mayorโs opening and its first business event โ the NI Chamber Champions Dinner 2016.
Last week, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, unveiled the cityโs new 7,000m2 purpose-built conference facility to local dignitaries and those who played a key role in the venueโs expansion programme, as well as partners who will be instrumental in its future development.
Belfastโs offering to business travellers is continually changing and the addition of this new world-class conference facility brings the product offering to a whole new level. It will help the city attract larger international events as well as reaffirm its position as a leading business tourism destination. Even before its opening the venue has successfully secured more than 30 international and national events including BBC Good Food Show, the World Credit Union Conference and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Annual Congress.
As part of the opening celebrations, guests enjoyed a spectacular programme of fantastic entertainment in the 1,805m2ย Hall 1 and with 2016 being Northern Irelandโs Year of Food and Drink attendees were treated to a delicious locally inspired lunch in the 700m2ย Hall 2. Creative stunts from BMX bike riders and vibrant and colourful carnival performers, as well as enthralling aerial performances perfectly showcased the venueโs extensive space and its 9m-high ceiling.
The positive reviews of the venueโs new spaces and outstanding support services were echoed by the local business community attending the NI Chamber Champions Dinner.
Twitter was buzzing during the Champions Dinner, the largest event staged by the Chamber in its 233-year history, in praise of a truly spectacular night.
The Belfast Waterfront team put on the event for 900 guests including the legendary rugby player and guest speaker Paul OโConnell. Sumptuous food, courtesy of the venueโs catering partner Amadeus, top-notch service delivered by from the front of house team and a show-stopping set-up created a fabulous night for all who attended.
Susie McCullough, Director of Marketing & Sales at the venue says: โIt was an absolute privilege to welcome the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce to the new Belfast Waterfront. The local business community was the first to enjoy a brand new event experience at our wonderful venue. The chamberโs event clearly demonstrated our unique ability to host a spectacular and memorable banquet on such a grand scale. Weโre now looking forward to welcoming many more prestigious events.โ
Despite the first events being a runaway success Belfast Waterfront will not be resting on its laurels. The team are preparing to welcome the first conference guests attending the annual International Surgical Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) on Wednesday 11 May.
The ยฃ29.5 million investment by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, is expected to bring in ยฃ100 million for the local economy over the next five years.
Click HERE to view our video of the opening.
