International Convention Centre

Going to conventions/​trade shows can be soul destroying. The proper venue can change all of that. This is a fantastic space from the design to the amenities to the support staff. Excellent location as well, close to transport as well as a large number of pubs and restaurants for that all important «networking»

I know a lot of people use this magnificent building as a walk-​through — I do too — but I am in awe of this place. As an event planner (amongst other things) this place is a dream. Years ago, I attended a few industry events here — all amazing.
More recently, I have been to amazing events in the amazing Symphony Hall, housed within the ICC including Glen Campbell and the exclusive event when Beverly Knight got her ‘Broad Street Star.‘
However, my best experience was actually recently when I had a behind the scenes tour for which they allocated one of their security guards — the man in the know — to do this for us. The way this place transforms with a touch of a button (or hundreds of buttons) to make every event special is amazing. As a bonus, he had so many back stage stories to tell it was hugely entertaining!

The ICC holds all kinds of conferences from party conferences (it’s the only place which has had all 3 main political parties) to Slimming World conferences.
Most people see it as a corridor from Centenary Square to the canals and Brindley Place and in a lot of ways it is. I’d much prefer to walk through the ICC to get to the canals then walk that small stretch of Broad Street especially at night/​in the rain. However, what a lot of people don’t realise is behind the fronts you walk past there are over 10 halls, some with the capacity to hold over a thousand delegates. They’re all really swanky too, and they have a wonderful events team that can transform any space as far as the client’s imagination can reach.
The staff are friendly and always smiley. A great place to pop to the toilet too if you’re in town.

The ICC is located in the heart of Birmingham, at the doorstep of scenic Brindley Place and a stone throw away from the Registry Office, so it’s an ideal location for wedding receptions.
There are almost a dozen suites that vary in size from fairly small (catering for around 40 people) to huge. They are popular for corporate events too. The largest hall can cater for over 2,000 seated guests, which is where I was seated at a work event.
The ceiling is high, giving the venue a grand appearance. There is a common theme of deep blue throughout the suites. It is always well-​maintained and clean.
They have in-​house catering but you’re not obliged to book this service if you hold a function here. Their waiting staff is professional and efficient in how they manage to serve such large congregations so swiftly. An impressive venue!

This wonderful building holds, among other things, the symphony hall, home to the Birmingham Syphony Orchestra. The hall is a triumph of late eighties architecture, and acoustically it is fantastic. The concert I heard here combined the Elgar Cello concerto with Vaughn William’s fifth. A fantastic combo and wonderfully played.
The cello soloist handled the Elgar with precision and flair, never quite letting loose on the beast of a piece, but managing nonetheless to evoke the nobility and pain of post war Britain. The Vaughn Williams was more tone poem than sweeping orchestral brilliance, but the orchestra played it with a sensitivity and skill rarely found. A fantastic building and a fantastic concert. Bravo.

The ICC isn’t just for symphony concerts although it is the home to the city orchestra. The concert hall is a beautiful venue and hosts concerts of all genres and even the occasional graduation ceremony. The seats are comfy enough to sit in for long periods of time. I have been to a few concerts there now and find it to be a a venue as enjoyable as the entertainment.

I saw Harry Connick Jr last night at the Birmingham International Convention Centre. It was a fabulous night, and he was so fantastic, talented and charismatic, but the ICC was a perfect venue for the event. Harry was on stage with approximately 12 other extremely talented musicians and the show just seemed so intimate. The theatre was plush, the stage was a good size (not too big, not too small) and the seating was comfortable and spacious. There is a café that serves hot and cold meals, snacks, alcoholic beverages and sweets just in case you’re running too late for a meal before the show. The inside of the centre felt a little like a hospital, but the theatre room certainly made up for it. I believe the ICC is a good place for intimate concerts, as I totally forgot my surroundings and was immersed in the music and singing — which to me means I was comfortable and well seated enough that I could totally release and enjoy!