International Delegate Growth
International Delegate Growth
Financial support of up to the value of £20,000 is available for business events being held in Britain, supporting conferences, congresses, exhibitions and tradeshows.
Exceptional proposals requiring more than the stated amount per event can be considered on a case-by-case basis, however they would need to provide a strong business case.
Funds can be used to support the following activities:
- Content creation to increase interest and awareness in your event
- Communications and digital activity, including support towards website, film, webinar, e-newsletters
- International delegate marketing campaign through digital or trade media channels
- PR activity that secures editorial coverage or international media buy
- Activations in markets to drive conversion or attract more delegates to your business event
- Targeted international delegate acquisition
- Booth enhancements
Please note: This strand of the programme can support events taking place in future financial years; however, all expenditures have to be annualised in the relevant financial year in which they are allocated.
Who can apply
We welcome applications from various types of organisations, including but not limited to professional congress organisers, convention bureau/ destination management organisations, universities, associations, trade show and B2B organisers.
If you are delivering the event in partnership, please make this clear in your application.
We encourage all applications to work in partnership with the relevant city convention bureau.
Please note: all applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the International Delegate Growth guidelines (PDF, 1 MB). If an applicant does not fulfil the mandatory eligibility criteria, the application will not be accepted. Applications will be considered by an appointed panel of industry experts. Applicants will be contacted if additional information is required.
How to apply
- Read carefully the application guidelines (PDF, 1 MB), paying attention to the fund’s objectives and eligibility criteria. If you need clarification do not hesitate to get in touch.
- If you fulfil the mandatory eligibility criteria, please complete the IDG Application Form (PDF, 826.14 KB) alongside the following supporting documentation:
- Annex B: Subsidy control declaration form (DOCX, 41.71 KB)
- BTA New Supplier request form (DOCX, 43.22 KB) – only applicable if your organisation has not received direct grant payments from VisitBritain before.
- Submit the application and the supporting documentation to EventSupport@visitbritain.org with the following reference in the subject line (Bid/Event name)
Be aware that submitting a request for support, regardless of whether the criteria is satisfied, does not ensure that the support will be made available under this or any other initiative.
There is no guarantee that all events or activity will be deemed appropriate or offered grant funding. VisitBritain, at its discretion, will determine where, when and how support will be offered and provided.
Please note: It can take up to six weeks from when the application is received to receive a Grant Funding Agreement.
International Delegate Growth roadmap
- Make your application for the International Delegate Growth fund.
- Applications will be considered by a panel of industry experts.
- Successful applicants will be contacted after the panel decision.
Note: The assessment is a two-way process, and it can take up to six weeks from application to receive a Grant Funding Agreement. Please consider this when planning your activity.
How funding helped Leeds boost delegate numbers by a third
Attracting key influencers and decision makers within investment and real estate, the Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) launched in Leeds in May 2022. The International Delegate Growth fund was successfully put to work supporting bespoke campaigns to attract global delegates, unlocking sustainable and more inclusive investment opportunities in the UK real estate markets.
From the initial target of 3,000 delegates, the event attracted more than 4,000 delegates – an increase of 33% – with an estimated incremental spend of £613,000. In addition to facilitating new relationships to drive economic growth through development and regeneration, the event actively encouraged a diverse attendance from underrepresented groups. It also accelerated meaningful progress on key themes, such as the UK’s Net Zero target, building better communities and delivering inclusive growth. The event will return in 2023, this time even bigger, with a target of 10,000 delegates.
