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Bristol to host Society of Editors 2008 Conference

Destination Bristol, the destination management organisation for Bristol and South Gloucestershire is pleased to announce that the Society of Editors 2008 annual conference will be held in the city of Bristol.

The Society of Editors represents more than 400 editors in national, regional and local newspapers, broadcasting and new media who will all congregate in Bristol for the three day event in November 2008.

Councillor Helen Holland, Leader of Bristol City Council said: "Bristol is delighted to have been chosen to host this year's Society of Editors' annual conference. Bristol is one of the UK's leading centres for the creative industries, with particular strengths in the print and broadcast media. The sector is worth around £360 million to the local economy, employing 3.7% of our total workforce. We are home to two of the country's leading regional daily newspapers, several lifestyle and specialist trade magazines, the regional news operations of the BBC and ITV and a number of thriving commercial radio stations.

With a population of over 410,000 and the strongest economy in England outside London, it's no surprise that our city is an attractive destination for those in the media."

John Hallett, Managing Director of Destination Bristol said; "I am pleased to confirm that the Society of Editors 2008 annual conference will be taking place this year in Bristol between November 9th and November 11th 2008. The event will be hosted at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel and will bring to the city the leaders of the UK media, presenting us with a unique opportunity to showcase our city and the South West region to the most influential gathering of people from the press, broadcasting and online news channels, ever assembled in Bristol."

PAUL Dacre who has led the Daily Mail to unparalleled success over nearly two decades and is also editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers will deliver the 2008 Society of Editors Lecture that will open the society's annual conference.

Society of Editors president Simon Bucks associate editor of Sky News said: "Paul Dacre is a towering figure in the UK media. Paul's insight and vision will provide the backdrop for another agenda-setting conference that has become a hub of media discussion and one of the major events in the media calendar. "

Dacre will deliver his lecture on the evening of Sunday 9 November on board Bristol's iconic steamship Brunel's ss Great Britain.

The 2008 Bristol Conference will investigate the continuing development of converged media which has seen newspapers adding audio and video to their websites as and when news happens and broadcasters increasing their on-line content, exploring new niches, encouraging public involvement and stretching down into ultra local websites.

Bucks said: "I am delighted that we are holding this year's conference in Bristol where I started my career. Bristol has long been a thriving and dynamic city, strong on enterprise, with a vibrant news community. Today that is truer than ever - it has around 10,000 people working in the media."

"The Society of Editors conference is now firmly established as the key event for senior newsroom figures from all branches of the media, with an impressive line-up of speakers."

The conference is attended by editors and senior executives from across the UK and beyond. It will be based at the Marriott Royal Hotel in the heart of Bristol. It opens on Sunday 9 November with the Society of Editors Lecture.

Monday 10 November will be given over to working sessions on numerous topics, followed by the annual gala dinner in the evening which will be held at Explore-at-Bristol, one of the UK's leading hands-on science centres. It will be an impressive occasion for hundreds of media guests

The Conference will close on the morning of Tuesday 11 November with a traditional 20:20 Vision breakfast seminar setting the agenda for media debate throughout the year.

The 2008 Bristol conference is supported by Camelot, the South West Regional Development Agency, Bristol City Council, Destination Bristol, GWE Business West, Rolls Royce, Foot Anstey, the BBC and Sky News.

- ENDS-

Notes to Editor

Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.
The Society of Editors represents more than 400 editors in national, regional and local newspapers, broadcasting and new media, campaigning for media freedom and self regulation. The Society of Editors is managed by Executive Director, Bob Satchwell. Office: 01223 304080

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist

Marketing Executive

Destination Bristol

Tel: 0117 946 2205

Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk