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 upon 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%. 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 both the predict growth rates with the knowledge of both the advantages and disadvantages of establishing purpose built conference venues, conclusions are drawn with regards to further regeneration within UK destinations.