Looking at the forthcoming events diary for the Riviera International Conference Centre certainly makes exciting reading as there are a total of 51 large conferences taking place between now and the end of 2005 and for some periods these conferences are booked in back to back! This excellent news for the local economy and affirmation that Torquay, and specifically the Riviera International Conference Centre is now more than ever being recognised as one of the leading conference venues in the country.

"We are very pleased with the outlook for the next few years. The increase in business is recognition of the hard work that both the internal and the external teams (like our local accommodation providers) put into a conference when it comes to Torquay" Says Barry Cole, MD Riviera International Centre, "We know we have to work harder than other destinations to attract conferences here in the first place. This alone can be a lengthy process, so once they are here we go that extra mile to ensure that they have the best meeting yet which in turn persuades the conference organiser to return again and again!" The process of booking a conference starts with the Bureau, Conference Torquay, and as the team will confirm, it can take years to close the deal. Initial contact is made and conference requirements have to be identified to ensure that the Centre and the Bay can accommodate the event. When it can, its all about nurturing and building up a relationship so that the organiser comes to know how good we are, before feeling confident enough to book that event. Once we achieve this and the organiser has tried and tested the facilities, and the destination and the bay have surpassed their expectations, we can be confident of securing a repeat booking. The more repeat bookings we get the easier it becomes to look after the client. Truly a virtuous circle.