Foreword The Sheffield Ambassador Programme is a major economic driver for the Sheffield City Region and is endorsed by the Local Enterprise Partnership; it attracts National and International conferences and ensures our region gets the profile it deserves on the worldwide stage. The Ambassador Programme has already secured conferences and events in the City Region worth over 5 million to the economy. But we need your help to attract these conferences here. Working with local professionals in business and academia, we can learn more about events you attend or speak at; you can then help us to submit bids to host them in the Sheffield City Region in the future rather than further afield. A passionate and well connected Ambassador can often influence a decision on where a future event is held. We want to harness your passion for showcasing what you do well. We will give you the confidence to say to your professional body why not host an event in Sheffield? as well as the knowledge and support to deliver a successful event. With the support of our partners including Hospitality Sheffield, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University we will continue to ensure that all of your conferences are hosted to the highest standards and that your delegates are given a great welcome. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our current and past Ambassadors who have joined the programme and worked with us to win some fantastic events for the City Region. I look forward to welcoming new Ambassadors to the programme. Brendan Moffett Director, Marketing Sheffield The Sheffield Ambassador Programme 3
What is the Sheffield Ambassador Programme? 4 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
Our aim: Our aim is simple - to bring more conferences and events to our wonderful City Region. We need you, professionals in business and academia, to help us achieve this. The Programme: Our Ambassador Programme is made up of individuals drawn from the region who can influence their professional body, association or society to consider the Sheffield City Region as the perfect destination for their national conference or regional event. In return Ambassadors will have access to a professionally managed programme that provides regular information, access to venues and opportunities to network with fellow Ambassadors plus an invitation to the prestigious annual dinner. Benefits to the Region: Conference and Event business is worth 226 million to Sheffield City Region. Research indicates that 40% of people who enjoy visiting a region as delegates return as leisure tourists boosting the profile of our city and generating much valued tourism pounds. The Sheffield Ambassador Programme 5
Sheffield a World Class Destination 6 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
Sheffield: The Conference Capital If there s one thing that can inspire people in these tough times, it s a sensational conference. Sheffield can deliver: A great location situated right at the heart of the UK with easy access via motorway, rail and air. Vibrant urban areas and stunning countryside. A destination that s a past master in hosting world class events. Award winning venues proven to deliver great customer service. 8,000 bedrooms from contemporary to traditional, VIP suites to academic facilities. We had a brilliant time in Sheffield, all the activities were great and the trade show was brilliant too! Jennifer Garbutt, Event Account Manager, Mosaic Events The Sheffield Ambassador Programme 7
Inspirational Venues... I was in Sheffield last year and now I ve come back and I ve been blown away, it s bigger and better. Peter Jones CBE at the MADE Festival 2011 8 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
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Max Conference Capacity 15,000 Largest Exhibition Space 3,478m 2 Largest Dining Capacity 1,300 Max Breakouts in one venue 80 No of Bedrooms 8,000 Most Unique Incentive Night Golf 10 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
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Don t just take our word for it Society of British Neurological Surgeons Spring 2013 Conference Andras Kemeny from the University of Sheffield, a member of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons became a Sheffield Ambassador when he decided to bid to host the society s Spring 2013 conference in Sheffield in conjunction with The Hungarian Neurological Society. Organising the conference is quite stressful but I felt it important to bring the country s neurosurgeons, as well as those from my native country, to my home city. Undoubtedly, it will raise the status of my department to have organised a conference, which will help even my trainees in the future. The conference is usually organised by the SBNS office but, as they have no local knowledge, it was invaluable to have the help of the Sheffield Convention Bureau. The team proposed suitable venues with full costings and accompanied us on site visits with the representatives of the SBNS office. I believe that there is a lot to be proud of in Sheffield, with the new city centre developments. For the future, the more such conferences that are held in Sheffield, the more likely it is that these developments will continue. Having 200-250 neurosurgeons in Sheffield will help the wider economy of the city and we are excited to be based here for the conference. I believe that there is a lot to be proud of in Sheffield, with the new city centre developments. 12 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
With both Sheffield s legacy and promising future for local beers, it s the ideal host city for BeerX Society of Independent Brewers Association (SIBA) Sheffield s reputation as a premier Beer Destination was further cemented when the team from Thornbridge Brewery acted as Sheffield Ambassadors and secured the Society of Independent Brewers Association (SIBA) AGM and Brewing Conference 2013 for Sheffield. The event called BeerX, based at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, is a 4 day programme and attracts more than 1500 delegates incorporating Trade Exhibition, National Beer Competition, Business Awards and Festival of Beer, much more than a standard conference. First established in 1980, SIBA was formed to represent the interests of the new emerging wave of microbreweries and in over 30 years has grown to become one of the most respected bodies in the brewing industry. As the independent beer industry continues to evolve, SIBA continues to play an increasingly key role in supporting and influencing its development. Simon Webster from Thornbridge said, With this in mind, it s not surprising Sheffield has been named the chosen location for BeerX, as the City s beer brewing community continues to flourish and build a reputation as the UK s Beer Capital. Carl Beeson, Chairman of the BeerX Steering Committee said, BeerX is a big, bold event, celebrating SIBA s success and showcasing local beers with a new confidence and style that reflects the journey we have travelled in the last 30 years. With both Sheffield s legacy and promising future for local beers, it s the ideal host city for BeerX The Sheffield Ambassador Programme 13
What we can offer Professionals serving professionals Marketing Sheffield manages the Sheffield Ambassador Programme in conjunction with Hospitality Sheffield, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Event Bid Support If you need to bid for your conference, call us first. From the preparation of bid documents to presentations to the organising committee we can prepare all of this for you. We will liaise with the venues, organise site visits, help with transport requirements and, where required, partner programmes and civic receptions. We can help every step of the way. Free Advice and Planning Our experienced team are here to help with a wealth of in depth local and regional knowledge. Not only can we offer you quick access to rates and availability, but we know our venues inside out. Whether you require a small boardroom, or multiple venues for a large conference or festival we can provide a stress-free way to pin point your perfect venue. We benefitted from being Ambassadors through access to invaluable support in all aspects of the planning of the event from fantastic personalised guidance as well as negotiating with providers on our behalf. Jeff Breckon, Ambassador and organiser of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Forum, Sheffield Hallam University 14 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
Accommodation Service Our complimentary accommodation service is an integral and popular service we provide. We can block book rooms for a group of delegates or provide a centralised web based booking service dedicated to your conference for individual bookings. Need bed space for 5,000 delegates or that executive suite for your key note speaker? Our committed team is on hand to help. Once your event is booked we ll put you in touch with our partner specialists in event management to ensure everything runs like clockwork. And these services are all free and without obligation. You can be involved as much, or as little as you want. We will do all the work. My involvement in the planning of the 2008 National Sports Development Seminar was minimal, but thanks to the Ambassador Programme our bid was successful and the event has now committed to come to Sheffield for the next four years. Steve Haake, Head of Sports Engineering, Sheffield Hallam University The Sheffield Ambassador Programme 15
So what s in it for you? Professional Kudos You gain the opportunity to enhance the profile of yourself, your employer, professional body or society. Professional Advice You will have access to a professionally managed programme that provides regular information. Networking Opportunities Opportunities to network with fellow Ambassadors at a regional and national level. Travel Discounts Marketing Sheffield s partnership with East Midlands Trains offers savings on unlimited First Class and Standard travel between Sheffield and London (and on all EMT Routes)*. The Annual Ambassador Dinner Our annual dinner celebrates the role of our ambassadors, recognising those who have brought events to our region and allowing everyone to relax and enjoy themselves at a glittering event. * restrictions apply 16 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
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What next? Becoming an Ambassador is simple. Just call us on: 0114 281 4048 email us at: ambassador@ marketingsheffield.org or complete and submit the online event enquiry form at: welcometosheffield.co.uk/ ambassador 18 The Sheffield Ambassador Programme
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