Why build purpose-built conference venues? Forecasting new build

Abstract

Many UK destinations have constructed purpose-built conference venues as a tool for regenerating economic, social and environmental decline during the post-war period. This research is based on a postal survey of 300 UK purpose-built venues undertaken in 2001, of which 53 responding venues were deemed valid, giving a response rate of 17.6 per cent. This research examines the temporal growth of purpose-built venues from the 1950s up to and including the survey year. Additionally, employing exponential smoothing techniques, the number of UK purpose-built venues is predicted from 2001 to 2020. Combining the predicted growth rates with the knowledge of both the advantages and disadvantages of establishing purpose-built conference venues, conclusions are drawn with regard to further regeneration within UK destinations.Journal of Retail and Leisure Property (2007) 6, 47-60. doi:10.1057/palgrave.rlp.5100045