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.