Published by Neil ThompsonTo celebrate Devon in our featured Destination spotlight, we caught up with a few Devon people to find out more about the services they offer for event professionals - first up is Meet Devon's Nicky Harding & Sally Everton.
Sally & Nicky are both born and bred in Devon and have 50 years industry experience between them. They know Devon and the venues like the back of their hands and their key objective is to promote Devon as a first-class destination for all business visits and events
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Q: Hi Sally & Nicky, do you want to tell us why Meet Devon is the go-to conference, convention and event management bureau for Devon?
Nicky: We are the main conference, convention, and event management bureau for Devon and beyond. Our key focus is to develop business tourism by promoting our beautiful county as a ‘go to’ destination to host any business visit or corporate / incentive event in a stunning and easily accessible location. We put our clients in contact with our exceptional venues and trusted suppliers and can assist in organising every detail and is completely free of charge to the client! Whatever the event – contact us today and let us take the hassle!
DW: What makes Devon the perfect destination for business tourism?
Sally: ‘Fresh Air for Fresh Thinking’ is our motto and Devon depicts exactly that. The choice of state-of-the-art venues is extensive and we can match most enquiries with the perfect venue, however quirky the request. From a resort in the rolling Devon countryside, or a convention centre with 4 star accommodation by the sea; or if a city destination is preferred, we have two vibrant cities, Exeter our capital, and Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City. We are easily accessible by road, air and rail, and with special delegate rates with GWR which serves our region, what could be easier?
DW: The English Riviera is stunning, do you want to share some information about this area?
Nicky: Where do we start - surrounded by a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside, this part of South Devon is known as the English Riviera because of its exceptionally warm climate and spectacular beaches, sharing a likeness with the Mediterranean Riviera. With direct trains from London to Paignton and Torquay, so an ideal destination for all business visits and events.
Sally: The English Riviera was designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2007, one of only nine in the entire UK and 140 in the world. That status means that the English Riviera is a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination, offering delegates the chance to explore and learn about the geological wonders of our planet. With recent hotel openings with the Mercure Paignton and IBIS Styles and the Hampton by Hilton adding much needed quality hotel rooms which are close to the Riviera International Centre which has versatile meeting space from 10 - 1500 delegates, makes the English Riviera an ideal destination for association, corporate and incentive events.
DW: You work with some amazing suppliers; what experiences are popular right now?
Sally: Devon is ideal for exceptional experiences and incentive activities both on and off the water! Sailing, SUP, kayaking, windsurfing, winging and efoiling and coasteering to name a few on water; and on dry land, why not try the Landrover Experience, gin and cider making, archery, being a farmer or zoo keeper for a day, the choice is endless and again, bespoke experiences to fit a bespoke enquiry.
DW: Are there any hidden gems or new venues / suppliers that you want to share with us?
Nicky: Devon has really moved forward in the past 4 years with new hotel openings in Paignton by the Mercure Group, the Hampton by Hilton in Torquay and The Hotel Indigo in Exeter and soon to open in 2025, the voco Zeal by IHG on the Exeter Science Park. The recently rebranded Mole Resort in North Devon under new ownership and is an ideal hidden destination to hold an event in rolling Devon countryside with grounds, meeting space and accommodation to suit.
Sally: And Bovey Castle on Dartmoor National Park is another example of exceptional experiences and activities, coupled with excellent meeting space and luxury rooms. Locally sourced and sustainable food and drink is in abundance across many of our venues.
You can find out more about Meet Devon here...
Instagram Page: @meet.devon
Facebook Page: @meetdevon
LinkedIn Page: @meetdevon
Website: https://www.meetdevon.org
Email: info@meetdevon.org
