It's official: Manchester United is now a member of ICCA, the International Congress & Convention Association, the 77th new member organisation from 35 countries to join the association this year.
The move illustrates the football club's ambitions to build up its reputation as one of the UK's top meetings venues, capitalising on the instant recognition of their global brand and the top quality conference facilities and service standards they've developed at the Old Trafford stadium.
Man Utd spokesperson Mrs. Rekha Haughton said: "In the same way that the footall club's playing ambitions stretch far beyond the UK, we believe our conference product has similarly wide appeal, and ICCA membership is a great way to reach that global audience. We've already established a high-profile presence in the domestic arena, and now it's time to take on the world."
In the words of ICCA CEO Martin Sirk: "This is shaping up to be another fantastic year for new member recruitment from all regions of the world, reflecting the continued strength of the international association meetings market, our area of specialist expertise. Manchester United's entry onto the global stage illustrates just how competitive and innovative today's international meetings market has become - it's no longer a playing field exclusively for traditional convention centres and PCOs, but for all kinds of far-sighted and ambitious companies."
The Old Trafford stadium has got 24 suites, enough outside space to cater for almost all occasions and 160 meeting rooms that can be used for breakout space.
ICCA currently comprises over 900 member companies and organisations in 86 countries worldwide, covering all supplier sectors to the global meetings market. The 2010 ICCA Congress takes place in Hyderabad, India, from 23-27 October.
