Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) – the South Coast’s largest year-round conference, exhibition, and entertainment venue – is celebrating a recent uplift in delegate numbers and sharp rise in the economic benefit it delivers across the region.
Over the past year, the BIC has welcomed 63,000 delegates to major conferences spanning politics, healthcare, trade, unions, and charity sectors. From high-profile political conferences and national congresses to specialist association gatherings, the centre has proven its ability to host large-scale, complex events with ease. Repeat bookings from established partners, alongside a wave of new clients, underline the strong confidence in the BIC’s facilities and team.
Projected figures show that between April 2025 and March 2026, the BIC’s conferences and exhibitions activity will generate an estimated £21 million in economic benefit for the local area – a 16% increase on the previous year*. The growth is thanks to increased delegate footfall and reflects the venue’s role as a major driver of business tourism.
The impact of increased footfall into the region stretches far beyond the venue’s walls, with thousands of delegates staying in local hotels, eating and drinking in restaurants, and visiting local attractions bringing vital secondary spend across Bournemouth.
This is also strengthening the town’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading coastal destinations for conferences and events.
Since 2010, the venue has been operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council. In 2024, a multi-million-pound refurbishment completed thanks to a joint investment.
Speaking on behalf of BH Live, Sarah Stainer, Conference & Exhibitions Manager, said;
“Conferences and exhibitions are vital to Bournemouth’s economy because it sustains the region as a year-round destination. The recent partnership investment including upgrades to digital signage, Wi-Fi, and AV systems, alongside the creation of more flexible and sustainable event spaces, have transformed the overall event experience.”
Looking ahead, the BIC team is focused on attracting even more major national and international events. Working closely with partners, the venue continues to strengthen the region’s business tourism offering and ensure a commercially successful future for the town.
With its striking seafront location, versatile facilities, and track record of delivering memorable, large-scale events, Bournemouth International Centre is a key player in the UK’s conference market, driving economic benefit and reaffirming the South Coast’s status as a destination of choice.
For event professionals seeking capacity, versatility, and coastal appeal, supported by a team invested in sustainable success, Bournemouth International Centre offers a compelling proposition.
More at bic.co.uk
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Calculated based on Visit Britain’s May 2025 Business Events Delegate Survey
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
With flexible spaces and licensed capacity for 10,000 delegates, it is the south coast’s largest and most versatile event venue. The venue attracts major players in the public and private sector, bringing millions of pounds into the local economy through employment and business tourism.
For more visit bic.co.uk
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @bournemouthinternationalcentre
LinkedIn – @bic-bournemouth