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 The Highlands of Scotland are one of Europe\'s last great wildernesses - an area of outstanding natural beauty, its dramatic scenery provides a stunning backdrop to inspire any business venture. Add to this the region’s unprecedented amount of investment in new developments, and there is plenty to whet the appetite of any event planner. From enticing incentives to new buildings and beautifully restored castles, VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit reports on the latest news from the North. Read >
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The world famous resort of Blackpool is in the process of a major transformation, with a particular focus on its development as a conference and events destination. In this newsletter, we catch up with progress. 
There’s no doubt that one of the most dynamic destinations for all kinds of events is the Leeds and West Yorkshire region. There’s a spectacular array of venues in Leeds itself - and many more in its neighbouring towns and cities - including some of the UK’s most successful, award-winning locations. The region is now a genuine centre of excellence, with a true conference culture: our video explains more about why it’s forging ahead. 
Thinking of creative ways to inspire your delegates or simply looking for a refreshingly different business experience, VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit have a host of alternative ideas to fire your imagination this summer.From a new championship golf course to a vigorous bootcamp or an appetising cookery challenge, VisitScotland\'s Business Tourism Unit suggests some sizzling incentives for a summer of success. 
Leeds and West Yorkshire have built a national reputation over the last few years for high quality, stylish venues for meetings and accommodation. The destination is now turning its attention to the lucrative incentive market, by offering an unusual and exciting choice of activities for those who want to experience luxury without having to get on a plane to find it! 
Over 30 venues in Leeds and West Yorkshire have achieved the coveted Meetings Industry Association (MIA) AIM Higher Accreditation – the highest number of accredited venues for any region outside of London. Including 2 of the venues who have the coveted GOLD star award – Weetwood Hall Hotel and the Royal Armouries. 
The world famous resort of Blackpool is in the process of a major transformation, with a particular focus on its development as a conference and events destination. In this newsletter, we meet the person who leads its Business Tourism team, and look in detail at two of its leading attractions. 
Our latest look at the event opportunities offered by Ireland’s Limerick Shannon region underlines how far it’s come as an international destination. The Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau has worked with sports and entertainment giant IMG and a number of other partners to create a brand new international cycling event, to take place in August. 
Our latest report on the international standard of facilities and location available in Ireland’s Limerick Shannon region focuses on the hub of the area, the city of Limerick itself. Its riverside hotels offer excellent space and the backdrop of superb views. We look at three of them in detail. 
The atmosphere created by the record attendance at the Leeds Conference and Hospitality Show in March meant that the Yorkshire Insider Awards, which were announced during the event, were more eagerly anticipated than ever. Our video of the awards event includes interviews with the winners – and a memorable performance by star guest Gyles Brandreth! 
The Conference and Hospitality Show at RAI in Leeds in March attracted an unprecedented range of exhibitors… and a record number of visitors. My Venues visited the event to find out the reaction of participants, including Nicky Lockwood of Conference Leeds. 
Only three months into the New Year and VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit already has a wealth of exciting news on Scotland’s conferencing sector. Here are just some of the latest developments and highlights ranging from exciting venue refurbishments and inspiring incentives, to the launch of a brand new website and brochure. Now there are even more reasons to choose Scotland as a conference destination. 
Blackpool & Lancashire’s great variety of top-class venues for business conferences and meetings is far from ordinary. 
Lancashire and Blackpool is showcasing the region’s conference facilities to the UK’s business sector later this month as part of a major national marketing drive. The Lancashire & Blackpool Venue Show 2010 will take place at Park Hall Hotel Leisure and Conference Centre at Charnock Richard, near Chorley, on March 25. 
