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International Delegate Growth

Supporting the creation and growth of business events in Britain, with the aim of increasing international attendance and visitor spend whilst encouraging greater international trade, inward investment and wider impact potential.

International Delegate Growth

The International Delegate Growth fund is currently closed to applications for financial year 2023/2024. The fund is expected to re-open in spring 2024 for next financial year applications.

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:

  • International delegate marketing campaign through digital or trade media channels
  • Communications and digital activity, website, film, webinar, e-newsletters or other content to increase interest and awareness in your event
  • PR activity that secures editorial coverage or international media buy
  • Activations in markets to drive conversion or attract more delegates to your business event
  • Sustainability initiatives and legacy programmes to widen the positive impact of the event  
  • Attraction of high-profile speakers
  • Targeted international delegate acquisition
  • Satellite events, opening/closing ceremonies and educational sessions

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 event organisers, convention bureaus and universities or associations. If you are delivering the event in partnership, please make this clear in your application.  

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

NOTE: The International Delegate Growth fund is currently closed to applications for financial year 2023/2024. 

The fund can support events taking place in future financial years, but all expenditures must be annualised in the financial year in which they are allocated. If the expenditure will occur between April 2024 and March 2025, please complete this Enquiry form (DOCX, 38.05 KB) to register your interest for potential future grant funds. Please note, there is no guarantee of future funding.

The fund is expected to re-open in spring 2024 for next financial year applications.

International Delegate Growth roadmap

  1. Make your application for the International Delegate Growth fund.
  2. Applications will be considered by a panel of industry experts.
  3. 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.

 

VisitBritain

Business Events Growth Programme infographic

How funding helped Leeds boost delegate numbers by a third

Getty Images/EyeEm

Looking up at Leeds Town Hall and The Observation Wheel at Dusk

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.

 

Useful contacts

Events Support

Contact the team

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