I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality with a deep background in travel and tourism. Katarina has become a prominent voice in the entertainment and events industry, particularly when it comes to expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into the remarkable story of Exhibition Centre Liverpool as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, exploring its transformative impact on the Liverpool City Region, the standout events that have defined its legacy, and the bold vision that continues to drive its success on the global stage.
Can you walk us through what sparked the idea for Exhibition Centre Liverpool back in 2015?
Absolutely. The creation of Exhibition Centre Liverpool was really a response to a growing hunger in the events industry for larger, more flexible spaces to host exhibitions and consumer shows. By 2015, the ACC Liverpool campus, with its arena and convention center, had already shown that Liverpool could handle major events. But there was this clear demand to go bigger, to accommodate trade shows and large-scale gatherings that needed a purpose-built venue. It was the final piece of the waterfront campus puzzle, designed to round out the offerings and make the city a true heavyweight in the events world. The vision was to create a seamless, all-in-one destination where events of any scale could thrive, and it fit perfectly with the broader goal of transforming Liverpool into a leading hub for international gatherings.
How would you describe the economic ripple effect of the Centre on the Liverpool City Region over the past ten years?
The impact has been staggering—£320 million in economic value over a decade is no small feat. That figure comes from a mix of direct spending by visitors, event organizers, and exhibitors, as well as the indirect benefits to local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and retail. We’re talking about job creation, too, both within the venue and in the wider community. Local suppliers, transport services, and even small cafes near the campus have seen a steady boost from the 2.2 million visitors we’ve welcomed. Beyond the numbers, there’s a sense of pride and opportunity that comes with hosting global events—it’s put Liverpool on the map in a new way, and the community feels that energy.
With over 500 events under your belt, which ones have left the biggest mark on you or the venue?
Oh, there are so many, but a few really stand out. The Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, for instance, was unforgettable. We served as the press and hospitality hub, and the buzz was electric—journalists and fans from all over the world, celebrating music and culture right here on our waterfront. I remember walking through the space and hearing dozens of languages, seeing the excitement on people’s faces. Then there’s Comic Con Liverpool, which shows off our versatility with its massive fanbase, and the Labour Party Conference, which brings a completely different kind of gravitas. Each event highlights how we can pivot from pop culture to politics without missing a beat. Those moments define what we’re capable of.
The Centre has earned prestigious awards like ‘Venue of the Year’ at the AEO Excellence Awards. What do you think makes this venue stand out from the crowd?
I think it’s a combination of our design and our dedication. The venue was built with flexibility in mind—our spaces can adapt to anything from an art exhibition to a political conference. But it’s also about the team. We go above and beyond to make every event seamless, whether it’s troubleshooting last-minute tech issues or ensuring exhibitors have everything they need. Winning those awards validates that hard work and boosts our credibility. It tells the industry we’re a venue that delivers, and it motivates us to keep pushing boundaries. Honestly, it’s a signal to international clients that Liverpool is the place to host their next big event.
The opening of the Centre was described as a bold statement about Liverpool’s ambition. Can you paint a picture of what that ambition looks like?
That ambition was about saying, ‘Liverpool is ready to play on the world stage.’ Before 2015, we had proven we could host big events, but the Exhibition Centre allowed us to scale up and diversify—suddenly, we were in the running for events that might have gone to larger cities. It was about competing internationally, showing that Liverpool could offer world-class facilities and a unique cultural backdrop. Of course, scaling up wasn’t without challenges. We had to ensure our infrastructure and staff could handle the increased demand, and there was a learning curve in marketing ourselves to global organizers. But that ambition paid off—every event we host reinforces Liverpool’s reputation as a destination that can deliver.
The broader ACC Liverpool campus has contributed over £2.1 billion to the local economy since 2008. How do you quantify such a massive impact?
Measuring that kind of impact involves a lot of layers. We look at direct spending—ticket sales, vendor fees, hotel bookings—and then factor in the multiplier effect, which captures how that money circulates through the local economy. For instance, a visitor spending on dinner or transport supports other businesses. We also use surveys and data from local partners to gauge indirect benefits like job growth. But it’s not just about the numbers; we listen to feedback from the community to understand the qualitative impact. To keep this growth going, we’re investing in sustainability and digital tools to stay competitive, ensuring we attract events that align with future trends and continue to benefit the region.
Comic Con Liverpool in 2024 drew over 40,000 attendees, making it your largest event ever. What were the key ingredients to pulling off something that big?
Comic Con Liverpool was a beast of an event, but so rewarding. The success came down to meticulous planning and collaboration. We worked closely with organizers to map out every detail—crowd flow, security, vendor placement—to make sure fans had a great experience. Logistically, managing that many people meant extra staff, clear signage, and real-time problem-solving. We also leveraged the entire campus to spread out activities, which helped with capacity. The passion of the attendees fueled the atmosphere, and seeing cosplayers and families enjoying themselves made the hard work worth it. As for the future, we’re definitely eyeing bigger events. We’ve got the space and the know-how, so it’s about finding the right opportunities to push the envelope even further.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the future of Exhibition Centre Liverpool and its role in the global events landscape?
I’m incredibly optimistic. The next decade is about building on our foundation—focusing on international growth, sustainability, and innovation. We’re already seeing more global interest, and with strategic investments, we can enhance our facilities to host even more diverse events. I think we’ll play a bigger role in pioneering eco-friendly event practices, which is becoming a priority for organizers worldwide. Digitally, we’re exploring ways to integrate hybrid event capabilities, blending in-person and virtual experiences. My forecast is that Exhibition Centre Liverpool will not just keep pace but set the standard for what a world-class venue can be, continuing to drive economic and cultural value for the region while cementing our spot on the global stage.
