student membership of bacd

The British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) offers students an inside view into the dynamic world of conferences, events and exhibitions, and business tourism. We are your access to industry information and research, employment and placement/internship opportunities, personal development, professional networking, and much more.

Who are we?

BACD is a trade association operating within the meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and incentive travel industry, a sector often referred to as ‘business tourism’.

What do we do?

As a trade association, we exist to support and assist our members (towns, cities, counties, islands, national tourist boards) in their work. We are involved in marketing, research, education and professional development, lobbying and representation, and setting quality standards.

A key part of this work is the links we have, both directly and indirectly via our members, with colleges and universities across the UK running courses in:

• conference and event management
• destination marketing
• tourism and hospitality

We are keen to support and contribute to the work being done by colleges and universities and play a leading role in the future development of the conference and business tourism industry.

With this in mind we are now offering a new category of membership for students and young professionals - who are the future of our industry.

Who do we represent?

Since BACD was formed in 1969, Full membership has grown to encompass almost all the leading conference destinations in the British Isles which, between them, represent in the region of 3,000 conference and event venues. Members are destination marketing organisations (often trading as conference bureaux) and national tourist boards.

In 2003 we launched an Affiliate membership open to venues, consultants, audio-visual equipment suppliers, exhibition organisers, and others offering services to the conference industry. We now have 100 Affiliate members.

Since 2000, BACD has been contracted to manage the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), whose membership comprises exclusively Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs).

And so we really do cover the whole of the conference industry.

Why should you become a Student member?

As a student member of BACD we can offer you the following benefits:

• Access to industry news and research via Confab e-newsletter
• Copies of BACD industry factsheets
• A free copy of the BACD destinations directory (worth £15)
• Access to Business Tourism Partnership publications
• Discounted copies of the British Conference Venues Survey and of industry publications
• Access to the industry resources and information held at BACD’s executive offices
• Email messenger facility with other BACD student members
• Access to work placements, internships and job opportunities with members – via the BACD website
• Circulation of student member details on graduation to BACD members re: possible job openings
• Education and training – discounts on BACD training courses and seminars
• Opportunities to attend the annual BACD convention
• A ‘Certificate of Membership’

How much does it cost?

The cost of membership is just £35 per annum (to coincide with the academic year). Payment should be sent with the completed application form.

How to apply

1. click here for an application form
2. then complete and return to:
   
   Sarah Malkin
   Research & Information Manager
   BACD
   6th Floor Charles House
   148-149 Great Charles Street
   Birmingham, B3 3HT
   
   or email: info@bacd.org.uk.

If you have any queries or need further information on student membership, please call 0121-212-1400.