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Leeds’ biggest familiarisation trip returns to the city

Leeds Hotels and Venues Association (LHVA) have announced that Leeds Big Sleepover, the city’s largest familiarisation trip, will take place this year from 8 – 10 October 2015.

First delivered in 2013, the event was attended by over 150 key corporates, associations, agents and event organisers, making it the city’s largest event of its kind. This year LHVA is working in partnership with the newly relaunched ConferenceLeeds to deliver the biennial event.

Co-sponsor, The Leeds Business Improvement District (Leeds BID), have also been announced as the headline investor for the event. The not for profit, business led organisation has pledged £60,000 towards a series of Hosted Buyer event co-ordinated by LHVA, including Leeds Big Sleepover, to boost business tourism for the city.

Andrew Cooper, the new Chief Executive of Leeds BID said: “Supporting business tourism and conferences was a key priority identified by the business community. We are delighted to be backing this, one our first initiatives to be given financial support. The meeting and conference sector business coming into the city is a major economic driver. I have been overwhelmed by the variety of venues that we have in the city that can host major events and conferences. The Leeds Big Sleepover is a great opportunity to bring potential buyers to experience these facilities for themselves and we are pleased that the Leeds BID has been able to make this possible.”

This year Leeds Big Sleepover focuses on the city’s arts and culture offering and the three day programme is set to include attendance at the launch reception of British Art Show 8 at Leeds Art Gallery, the first time the show has been hosted in Leeds for nearly 25 years. The programme will also include a gala dinner at Royal Armouries International, a showcase of Leeds’ hotels and venues at Horizon Leeds and behind the scenes tours at a number of cultural and sporting venues.

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of LHVA and General Manager of Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa said: “Following the tremendous success of the Leeds Big Sleepover in 2013, I am delighted to see it return in 2015. The city left such a lasting impression on our guests last time around that I can’t wait to welcome the new visitors to Leeds. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with ConferenceLeeds for the first time and to be working alongside the Leeds BID to boost the city’s business and economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leeds Big Sleepover .