Liverpool is fast becoming a destination of choice for international event organisers, having made a significant leap in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) city rankings. The city rose an impressive 61 places in the latest 2024 global standings, moving from 173rd to 112th – a clear signal of the city’s growing status as a world-class hub for business events.
Much of this upward momentum is owed to ACC Liverpool, the city’s premier MICE venue. With its location on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and its holistic approach to event delivery, ACC Liverpool continues to be a major force behind the city’s rise on the global stage.
A venue that means business
The ACC Liverpool campus comprises a convention centre, exhibition centre and arena, offering a flexible and comprehensive space capable of hosting events of all sizes. Coupled with on-site hotels and seamless links to hundreds more – totalling over 8,000 rooms in the city centre alone – Liverpool delivers convenience and comfort for delegates.
Accessibility is another of the city’s key strengths. Liverpool is connected to London via direct rail in just over two hours and is served by an international airport only 20 minutes from the city centre. Its strong road infrastructure ensures smooth travel for both domestic and international visitors.
But beyond logistical appeal, ACC Liverpool is attracting organisers who prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and legacy – elements that now define the future of business events.
Leading the way in sustainable conferencing
ACC Liverpool’s dedication to sustainability is deeply embedded into every event hosted at the venue. One recent example that exemplifies this commitment is the 100-year anniversary conference of The Company of Biologists, ‘Biologists @ 100’.
Bringing together around 600 international delegates, the event served not only to celebrate a century of scientific discovery but also to set new benchmarks for environmentally responsible conferencing.
The organisers partnered closely with ACC Liverpool to align the event with their strong sustainability values. As a carbon-neutral venue, ACC Liverpool ensured that no waste from the event went to landfill. All waste was either reused, recycled or composted – a core promise of the venue’s operations.
Catering, managed by Sodexo Live!, used eco-friendly Vegware for all packaging and tableware, while implementing Klimato carbon labelling to monitor the footprint of menu items. Vegan and vegetarian menus were prioritised to further reduce catering-related emissions.
The venue’s operations team measured the carbon footprint of the entire event using Greengage’s EVENTsmart calculator. Lessons from this initiative will inform The Company of Biologists’ future events, marking a clear step forward in data-driven sustainability.
To educate and engage delegates, the organisers filmed a pre-event video at ACC Liverpool showcasing its green credentials. Highlights included its 925 rooftop solar panels, air-sourced heat pumps and even a biodiversity initiative involving resident bees – elements that demonstrate how deeply sustainability is embedded into the venue’s infrastructure.
“We were delighted to welcome The Company of Biologists to Liverpool for what was a very successful event,” said Eddie Dos Santos, director of operations and venue management. “Sustainability is a key driver for us, and we are committed to providing our clients with the tools and resources they need to host environmentally responsible conferences. This event serves as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative efforts.”
The organisers reciprocated the praise. “The venue’s commitment to environmental responsibility was evident throughout the planning and execution of the conference,” said Jane Elsom, the event’s main organiser. “We are grateful for their support in making this event a success.”
Additional sustainable efforts by the organisers included financial incentives for low-carbon travel, such as up to £150 ($203) offered to international delegates who opted for trains over flights, and a £700 prize for the best blog post describing an eco-friendly journey.
Embedding legacy and inclusion
Beyond environmental efforts, ACC Liverpool is making strides in inclusivity and community legacy. The venue has generated over £5.9m in social value in the past year, supporting local communities, education programmes and environmental initiatives. Now in its third year, ACC Liverpool’s legacy strategy ensures that events that take place there leave a lasting, positive impact on the local community.
Inclusivity is also a focal point. The venue has developed accessibility toolkits to support inclusive delegate experiences and remains committed to removing barriers for all attendees, regardless of background or ability.
A venue with vision
As the primary driver of Liverpool’s recent rise in the ICCA rankings, ACC Liverpool is setting a gold standard for the events industry. Adrian Evans, director of sales, conferences and business events at ACC Liverpool, said:
“Organisers are choosing Liverpool not just for the quality of the venue, but for the entire delegate experience. ACC Liverpool sits at the heart of that experience, enhancing the city’s appeal as a world-class events destination. Our commitment to social impact, sustainability, and inclusivity not only sets us apart as a venue but reinforces why Liverpool continues to climb the global rankings.”
The venue’s commitment to the future is further reflected in its recently updated sustainability strategy. New targets set for 2025 are already yielding results, with carbon emissions down by 12% – placing the organisation ahead of schedule in its ambition to achieve carbon zero by 2030.
Looking ahead
Liverpool’s growing global profile as a business events destination is no accident. It is the result of consistent, strategic efforts by key players such as ACC Liverpool, who understand that the future of conferencing lies in purpose-driven, people-first experiences.
With world-class infrastructure, progressive values and proven delivery, ACC Liverpool is shaping the future of how events are conceived, delivered and remembered.
As the world takes notice of Liverpool’s ascent, ACC Liverpool stands as a beacon of what’s possible when excellence meets ethos – proving that sustainable, inclusive, high-impact events are not only achievable but already happening.
