ACC Liverpool scores three-year extension with BBC Worldwide Showcase

One of the world’s largest single-distributor TV sales market events, BBC Worldwide Showcase, has signed an agreement to remain in Liverpool for the next three years.

The deal will see the event staged at the city’s multi-million pound ACC Liverpool venue up to and including 2019.

Held each year, the sales market attracts around 700 TV and digital buyers along with programme makers from the BBC and independent production firms, all of which come together to purchase and promote new British content releases.

ACC Liverpool statistics suggest that BBC Worldwide Showcase 2016, held at the end of February, generated temporary employment equating to around 680 man days in areas such as stewarding, catering and cleaning.

Additionally, the estimated impact on the city’s economy was just over £1.5m

Tim Davie, the chief executive of BBC Worldwide, said: “BBC Worldwide Showcase is the most important event in our calendar.

“It gives us an unparalleled opportunity to promote great British content to the world’s broadcasters and allows us to place the UK creative industries on a global stage.”

He added: “ACC Liverpool is the perfect venue for us: its size and flexibility match our ambition and our customers love visiting one of Britain’s most iconic cities.”

First held at ACC Liverpool in 2012, over the last four years the event has drawn a number of well-known faces from TV and film to the city, including Sir David Attenborough, Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson

Bob Prattey, the chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, which comprises Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the Echo Arena and the BT Convention Centre, commented: “Due to its nature and scale, BBC Worldwide Showcase is one of the most complex events in our programme and has been a key conference since its first outing to Liverpool in 2012.

“Each year the event changes in terms of the use and demands on the building. We have formed a unique partnership with the BBC Worldwide team to ensure the continued success of Showcase and a combined dedication to raising the bar each year.”

He continued: “BBC Worldwide’s trust and confidence in ‘Team Liverpool’s’ ability to deliver is demonstrated in the three year extension to the contract.”

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, welcomed the extension of the deal with BBC Worldwide Showcase, which he hailed as a “prestigious and internationally recognised event”.

Speaking further, Mayor Anderson said: “The talent, expertise, profile, jobs and economic impact the event has brought in to the city since 2012 has been a source of great pride for Liverpool and we look forward to continuing our support of Tim and the team as they take BBC Showcase from strength to strength.”

BBC Worldwide Showcase marked its 40th anniversary this year, having grown from humble beginnings as a gathering of 25 TV buyers at a Brighton pub.

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