businesstravelerusa.com SEPTEMBER 2019
53→ABOVE: The new
International
Conference CenterMartin, in fact, will soon be starting production of its
first-ever electric car near Cardiff.
Cardiff also boasts a significant position in life sciences,
one of Wales’ fastest growing and most innovative
sectors. The city is the base for the central Life Sciences
Hub, Europe’s first center for Nano-Health, and host of
BioWales, one of the largest life sciences conferences in
the UK.
The region is also important for technolog y, leading
the way in the development of cyber security. Creative
industries are also booming in southeast Wales: The city
is home to a thriving cluster of around 10,000 creative
pacesetters, and over 25,000 across the region. Compa-
nies include Bad Wolf (producers of the new Discovery
of Witches TV hit, also filmed largely in Cardiff ), Wild
Creations, Milk and Bang.
Already chock-a-block with innovative meetings and
events venues like the city center's Cardiff Castle, the
city's boom in meetings has resulted in the building of the
new International Conference Centre, a short drive from
the city, adjacent to the Celtic Manor Resort.
When the Centre opens in September 2019, it will be
able to host gatherings of up to 5,000 over a total floor
space of more than 280,000 square feet. There's a 1,500-
seat auditorium, a 43,000-square-foot exhibition hall and
the largest pillar-free ballroom in Europe, able to host
2,400 people for a gala dinner.
“When we open later this year, ICC Wales will be the
only facility of its kind in Wales and the southwest of the
United Kingdom,” notes Ian Edwards, chief executive,
Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales. “ICC Wales is
positioning itself as a leading player in the business events
world and one that will be capable of competing on the
world stage. The local economy is forecast to benefit
by £70 million ($90 million) per annum, much of this
coming from an estimated 100,000 hotel bedroom nights“We traveled the world, taking inspiration
from outstanding convention centers, to
create one building that had the best of
everything”
- Jill Manley, Business Development Director, ICC Wales