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Four decades on from its grand opening, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is thriving.
With a multimillion-pound transformation complete, the South Coast’s largest conference, exhibition, and entertainment venue is primed for a new era of national events.
When Bournemouth International Centre opened its doors in September 1984, it was hailed as a game-changer. Local leaders envisioned a venue that would turn a sleepy seasonal seaside town into a vibrant, year-round destination for events, exhibitions and entertainment.
The mission? Bold and clear: to weave conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment activity into the fabric of Bournemouth.
Fast forward 40 years and the BIC has made good on that promise, welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually and playing host to everything from political party conferences and medical congresses to comic cons and concerts by global superstars.
A destination with heritage and vision
Bournemouth’s transformation from Victorian resort to dynamic business tourism hub is inseparable from the story of the BIC. Costing £18m to build, the venue was a strategic investment in the town’s future.
Today, Bournemouth is Dorset’s largest town, home to more than 190,000 residents and drawing over 5 million visitors a year to its beaches, culture and nightlife*.
At the heart of this appeal sits the BIC: a venue synonymous with high-profile events and economic impact. With flexible, licensed capacity for up to 10,000 delegates and panoramic views over the Jurassic Coast, it’s a standout choice on the UK conference and expo map.
From big names to big numbers
Conferences and exhibitions remain a cornerstone of the venue’s annual programme. It attracts a wide spectrum of clients—from public sector bodies and professional associations to national corporates and household-name brands. Events held here bring in millions of pounds to the local economy and support thousands of jobs across Bournemouth’s hospitality, retail, and service sectors.
But the BIC is also no stranger to glitz and glamour. Over the years, its stages have hosted the likes of Tom Jones, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, One Direction, and Barry Manilow. The 2025 entertainment calendar is already star-studded, with appearances from Chase & Status, Sean Paul, Gary Barlow, Scissor Sisters, Ricky Gervais, Craig David and more.
New spaces, new standards
Since 2010 the venue has been operated by BH Live—a social enterprise and registered charity—in partnership with BCP Council. The venue has just undergone a significant multi-million pound refurbishment, cementing its future as a world-class venue.
The recent revamp, completed in 2024, includes a wide range of infrastructure and technology upgrades. New digital signage, cutting-edge AV kit, and energy-efficient lighting bring a modern, sustainable edge to the venue’s offer.
Its meetings hub and business lounge have been fully refurbished with stylish, flexible layouts and enhanced connectivity—ideal for workshops, media centres, and breakouts. The first floor Bourne Lounge has been transformed into a seafront-facing event space with capacity for 200 guests.
Elsewhere, two of the venue’s prominent event spaces have been remodelled with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek new bar area, and upgraded facilities. The Purbeck Hall entrance now boasts a living roof and a dramatically improved foyer, complete with new glazing, signage and bathrooms.
Elevating the experience
No modern venue is complete without a culinary drawcard, and the BIC delivers with Elevate Brasserie & Bar. Opened in July 2023, this stylish, sustainably designed restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dining with a sea view and a menu to match, including small plates, pizzas, and sharing platters that cater to casual and corporate crowds alike.
Looking ahead
The BIC’s recent transformation is more than cosmetic. It reflects a long-term vision to position Bournemouth as a go-to destination for large-scale events and conferences on the UK circuit. With investment in technology, comfort, and experience, and team’s knowledgeable expertise, the venue is better equipped than ever to meet the demands of modern event organisers and inspire new audiences along the way.
For event professionals looking for capacity, versatility, coastal appeal, and a team invested in sustainable success, Bournemouth International Centre offers a compelling proposition.
More at: www.bic.co.uk/conference
