A U.K. city by the sea that has been at the forefront of entertainment and hospitality for more than 200 years will welcome MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC) March 26-28.
Darren Johnson, convention bureau manager for VisitBrighton, says Brighton is an inspiring place to live, work, study and visit.
“The city has an internationally recognized cultural offering and is a hotspot for creative talent and technological innovation,” he says. “Brighton has a desire to look at things differently and has a friendliness that attracts business and leisure visitors from all over the world. It really is impossible to leave Brighton without feeling inspired and wanting to return.”
“It really is impossible to leave Brighton without feeling inspired and wanting to return.”
Brighton, which Travel + Leisure calls “one of the most inclusive communities in Europe,” is also the home base of an organization known by everyone in the meeting and event industry: the IMEX Group, MPI’s strategic partner of nearly 20 years.
“We are excited to show off our hometown!” says Richard Allchild, CMP, head of sales, North America for IMEX Group. “Obviously, the whole IMEX team travels extensively, but there is no place like home. We are really looking forward to showing all of our industry friends and colleagues why we love Brighton so much.”
MPI’s EMEC 2023 will be held at the seafront Hilton Brighton Metropole, which recently refurbished its 340 guest rooms, public spaces and meeting spaces. The hotel offers 25 meeting spaces and can accommodate up to 1,300 conference delegates.
Why Brighton?
Allchild says Brighton works as a meeting destination on many different levels.
“We have great travel links by train from London, and Gatwick Airport is only 30 minutes away,” he says. “Brighton is a walkable city, with the conference center, hotels and world-class restaurants all within a five-minute walk of each other. Sandwiched between the sea and the South Downs, Brighton is a picturesque place to take your meetings.”
Johnson says Brighton has a robust year-round calendar of indoor and outdoor festivals and events, and EMEC delegates desiring a true Brighton experience will encounter “a wealth of attractions, unique retail sectors, stunning scenery, national parks, culture, pubs, bars, entertainment, organized tours and an unrivaled foodie scene.”
He says those wishing to truly understand the city’s history and significance must consider visiting the Brighton Museum and the Royal Pavilion.
“Located in the cultural quarter of the city and in the center of Brighton, it’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours to discover the stories of our city by the sea,” Johnson says.
Here’s a look at some can’t-miss activities that Johnson recommends.
BTN BikeShare. “For the energetic and/or for those looking to surround themselves with nature, why not rent one of the BTN BikeShare bikes that can be picked up at many hubs across the city? With nine miles of stunning seafront and coastline, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the restorative and calming impact being by the sea offers.”
Brighton Palace Pier. “No trip to Brighton is complete without a visit to Brighton Palace Pier. The Grade II-listed pier located in the heart of Brighton is home to arcades, many rides and activities.”
Brighton i360. “Gently glide up to 450 feet in the spacious glass viewing pod to enjoy views of Brighton, the South Downs and the stunning coastline. The viewing tower and pod were designed by Marks Barfield Architects and the rest of the team behind the conception and build of the London Eye.”
SEA LIFE Brighton. “A fascinating journey through the original Victorian architecture of the oldest operating aquarium in the world awaits. Built in 1872, it features 5,500 mesmerizing creatures.”
Shopping and dining. “From big brand names of the high street to the personal welcome in the buzzing boutiques of the Lanes and North Laine, there is no shortage of shops. Brighton also has almost as many bars and restaurants as it has pebbles on our beach. Me personally, I would grab a coffee from a seafront specialty coffee shop, find a comfortable deckchair and settle back to enjoy the sea views, soak up the atmosphere and people watch all the characters that reside in and visit our city.”
Learn much more about Brighton’s meeting and event venues.
PHOTOS: Brighton Palace Pier and North Laine Shopping, courtesy VisitBrighton.
