BIC Makes it Mark by Winning New Event

The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) has definitely made its mark by winning a two day tattoo convention called Bournemouth Ink, crammed full of interesting and unusual entertainment. The event is taking place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May in the BIC’s Purbeck Hall and Tregonwell Hall.

It is the first time that the tattoo extravaganza will have been held at the BIC, having launched its first convention in 2009 at a smaller venue in Bournemouth. Whilst it’s a real ‘must’ for any tattoo enthusiast with around 150 traders exhibiting at the event, that’s not all that’s on offer; it will feature live music, visual displays, burlesque performances and much more. There will be body piercing areas through to artists’ galleries and photographic displays.

Trevor Hill, Event Director for Marketing and Design said: “Bournemouth Ink has attracted a devoted following and the event is getting bigger and more diverse. We outgrew our previous venue so needed to find somewhere that could cater for the expected increased footfall and line up of activities. And the BIC suited our needs perfectly.”

Clive Tyers, Head of Conferences, Exhibitions and Events said: “Although typically we attract association business to the venue which tends to feature a conference programme and associated exhibition, we also host large stand-alone exhibitions. With the downturn in the economy, exhibitions have been hit by lower visitor figures, but they seem to be recovering and it’s great to see a unique event like this coming to us. The Healthy Living Show, the Care Show, Fab at 50 and the Hotel and Catering Show are just a few exhibitions that are taking place at the BIC this year.”

With between 3,000 to 4,000 visitors expected to the event each day, many from outside the local area, there will be a considerable economic benefit in terms of business tourism spend in the town. This includes transport, accommodation and living expenses including meals and refreshments.

Competitions will be running on both days so please contact the organisers for more information. There will also be an opportunity to buy Bournemouth Ink merchandise including t-shirts and hoodies, with the new 2010 branding designed by Ben Hamill from Ink, which is the 2010 sponsor.

For more event information, please visit the event organiser’s website: www.bournemouthink.com.