Leaders and experts from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s academic, corporate, and business communities are joining forces to put the region on the global stage, following yesterday’s official launch of the Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Ambassador Programme.
The revitalised initiative, led by Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire through its Meet in Nottingham conferencing bureau and Nottingham Partners network, brings together local experts, academics, medics and business leaders to champion the region and attract high-profile conferences, meetings and business events that drive investment, innovation, and international recognition.
The event featured inspiring talks from Paul Black, Head of Business Events at VisitBritain, who shared insights into the UK’s national strategy for attracting international conferences and highlighted the potential funding available through their Delegate Growth Programmes to support events in the region; Sarah Fleming, Managing Director of SFA Connect, who discussed the power of ambassador networks in driving destination growth; and Anna Collinge, Senior Consultant – Cities Planning & Design at Arup, who explored the measurable benefits of conferences and business events and how to quantify their success.
The programme empowers Ambassadors to champion Nottingham & Nottinghamshire wherever they go, helping identify conferences and business opportunities in their sectors, influence decision-makers, and support bids to host events in the region. Through shared advocacy, the programme also helps drive inward investment, attract new businesses, generate job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. It supports the promotion of place, positioning Nottingham & Nottinghamshire as a leading destination for visitors, business tourism, and conferences. This, in turn, brings income across multiple sectors, increases visitor spend, supports local accommodation providers, and contributes to long-term job creation and prosperity across the city and county.
Megan Powell Vreeswijk, Chief Executive of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, said:
“This programme is about establishing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire as a leading destination, not just for conferences and business events, but for the stories, innovation, talent and ambition that define our region. Our Ambassadors will leverage their networks and expertise to help build connections, attract investment, and show the world why Nottinghamshire is such a dynamic and inspiring place to do business, live, work and visit.”
The programme also benefits from the support of Ambassador Patron Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. Professor Pickering brings extensive experience, insight and networks, helping Ambassadors engage with leaders, organisations and communities who can make a real difference. Her dedication to inclusion, collaboration and celebrating local success reflects the programme’s values and ambitions.
Ambassadors are supported with a comprehensive toolkit, practical guidance, and data resources from Meet in Nottingham and Nottingham Partners. These tools enable them to confidently champion Nottingham & Nottinghamshire at national and international events, meetings, and networking opportunities. The resources include bid writing support, venue and accommodation advice, stakeholder engagement, delegate insights, and project management guidance — ensuring Ambassadors can maximise every opportunity to raise the region’s profile, attract investment, and promote pride of place.
To learn more about the programme or to get involved, download the Ambassador Programme Brochure here: https://bit.ly/4nWG4gi
Posted on 17 October 2025
