We chat to Leanne Planche, Association Sales Coordinator at ACC about her role with Club Liverpool.
Leanne, Tell us a bit about you and what your job entails.
I joined ACC Liverpool in September 2017 as an Association Sales Coordinator having worked in hospitality for 8 years and have been the Key Account Manager for association events since August 2022. A key part of my role is to collaborate with associations, academics and Liverpool Convention Bureau to bring national and international events to ACC Liverpool. Some of the brilliant events I have been involved with during my time at ACC Liverpool include LINAC 2022, ESPO 2023 and European Congress for Radiological Protection 2026. Its really important that events taking place here align with and benefit from our city sector strengths, ACC Liverpool’s Social Value Impact Plan, and successful legacy strategy.
What do you enjoy most about it?
Making new connections and seeing the impact that conferences can leave on our city even after the delegates have departed. All of the events that take place here leave a valuable footprint within the city region – whether that’s through economic and social impact, cultural regeneration or knowledge exchange.
In our industry it’s all about relationships and I have built some amazing industry and academic friendships that have spanned 6 years and beyond. The Club Liverpool collaboration with Liverpool Convention Bureau is key, we work as one joined-up city team and can offer clients a seamless support system which I know is appreciated. This holistic approach is absolutely key to success. I also love seeing delegates experience our amazing city – it really is one of a kind, and the welcome that is given to visitors in incomparable. We’re so lucky to have a venue on the waterfront, and just a few minutes stroll to the beautiful Three Graces. Hearing delegates talk about how stunning our location is never fails to bring a smile to my face.
What’s your biggest achievement working within the programme?
Securing international conferences for this amazing city, even more so when we can work with our fantastic city legacy champions and the association themselves to create programmes that have a lasting impact on our city. I’m proud of every single event I’ve worked on during my time at ACC Liverpool. Seeing the journey from initial enquiry stage right through to the buzz of live events, and satisfied clients leaving our site never gets old.
Why do you think an Ambassador Programme like this is important to Liverpool?
Ambassadors are the catalyst to attracting association conferences, it allows the ambassador and the city to raise the profile of the conference subject matter on a global scale. It also highlights the city’s academic institutions and the amazing research programmes that are being undertaken locally. As mentioned, these events are vital to our city region visitor economy and have the potential to fill hotels, venues and hospitality businesses across Liverpool.