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Research recently carried out shows that South Yorkshire is still very much on the agenda for conference organisers with over 2 million delegates welcomed into the region in 2008, equating to an economic impact value of over £279 million. In Sheffield alone, the figures reached over 1 million delegates - a value of £168 million for the city.

The South Yorkshire figures are part of a wider Yorkshire business tourism study which was commissioned by Welcome to Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward.


Highlights for South Yorkshire include an increase in the number of events that came to the region from 2007 and a steady increase in the amount of association business won - a key target market for Yorkshire South Tourism.

Emma France, Business Tourism Manager for Yorkshire South, said:
"The 2008 figures highlight how the Yorkshire South region has established itself as a real choice for conference and events organisers. The team and partners across the region have worked incredibly hard to raise the profile of the destination and the figures, along with a number of award-wins, emphasise our achievements even in tough times.  2009 has been a difficult year for us all, however these results show that we achieved a strong market position in 2008 and we should build on this in the future.  Long term business, particularly around 2011 is also looking healthy with some exciting conferences and events in the diary. We have a fantastic range of venues in the region and that, combined with our competitive prices as well as our pro-active approach is what makes us so attractive to conference and event buyers. We will continue to spread that message into 2010 with a series of events and exhibitions."

The results mark the end of another successful year for Yorkshire South. The partnership celebrated a consecutive ‘Best UK Destination' win at International Confex in 2008 and 2009 as well as a bronze award in the ‘Best Convention Bureau' category at this year's Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards. The ‘Best UK Destination' award has never been won by the same destination two years running so it was an industry first for the partnership.  Yorkshire South's Ambassador Programme has also continued to defy the recession by bringing £1.5 million into the region.

To book a conference at The Source or request further information, please contact Katrina Ferris on 0114 263 5605 or email katrina.ferris@meadowhall.co.uk