Research indicates the average conference provides local economy with €150k boost

CONFERENCES can provide a significant boost to local economies with the average event capable of generating an income of €150,000 to the area.

An average-sized conference of 150 people will generate up to €150,000 in the local economy, according to research.

The benefits are wide ranging and include local shops, bars, restaurants and taxi companies.

The research by FindaConferenceVenue.com on over 900 conference delegates has found the average spend per person attending a conference is between €200 to €300 – this includes hotel accommodation, transportation, meals and entertainment.

That represents an immediate spend of €37,500 with the multiplier effect delivering a total of €150,000 in the area.

Ciara Feely, of FindaConferenceVenue.com, said at a time when the economy my is struggling “running conferences could provide a significant boost to local economies with wide ranging benefits.

Ms Feely estimates that up to 300 hotels around the country can accommodate conferences of between 100 and 200 people.

It is an option that provides a potential income at a time when local regions are struggling, she said.

Those interested in conference venues can avail of up to two nights free accommodation at potential locations which FindaConferenceVenue.com can arrange while they check out their suitability.

“Hoteliers are delighted to showcase their property and show why it is the right venue for a conference,” she said.

Those interested in making a contribution to their own area could look at the possibility of attracting a conference to their area.

They could invite organisations to which they belong to hold their annual conference in their area, she said.

The Conference Ambassador Programme, run though Tourism Ireland, will provide financial assistance to the organisers in an effort to get key decision makers to visit Ireland and experience its facilities and to market the conference, Ms Feely said.

Ireland is an ideal choice of location for a conference. Dr Stephen Sullivan, director of the Irish Stem Cell Foundation, arranged a research conference at Croke Park in April.

The feedback from delegates was that “they found it a very relaxed conference and really enjoyed the atmosphere, it also gave people a chance to experience Ireland,” Dr Sullivan said.