We are incredibly proud to announce that our Conference Research Executive, Dr Dmitrijs Andrejevs, has been appointed Secretary of the Great Ambassador Networking Group (GANG).
GANG is the UK’s leading professional network for destinations and academic venue teams who manage ambassador programmes. Dmitrijs's new national role is fantastic recognition of his expertise and will place Manchester at the very heart of the conversation, helping to shape the future of ambassador programmes across the country.
We caught up with Dmitrijs to discuss his new role, the power of partnership, and what this means for the continued success of our own Manchester Conference Ambassador Programme.
Congratulations on your new role, how does it feel to take on the position of Secretary of the Great Ambassador Networking Group?
Being able to contribute to the community that has played an important part in my professional journey with the Manchester Convention Bureau is incredibly rewarding. The Great Ambassador Networking Group, often referred to as GANG, is a well-established professional network within the UK meetings industry and serves as a valuable support system for event professionals working in destination management organisations, academic venues and international conference centres. This collective approach not only strengthens individual ambassador programmes but also enhances the reputation and capabilities of the entire sector.
Can you tell us a little about what your role as Secretary involves and what you’re most looking forward to?
As Secretary, my role centres on supporting the steering committee in delivering the objectives of the Great Ambassador Networking Group (GANG). I work alongside an exceptional committee comprised of highly regarded industry professionals, whose expertise is instrumental in driving the group’s initiatives forward. As I take on this new role, I look forward to building on my experience serving on the Steering Committee of the Study Group on the Baltic States, part of the British Association for Slavonic and East European Studies. Drawing on my previous rewarding delegate experiences at the Bristol and Warwick conferences, I am eager to contribute to the success of our Annual Conference. This event offers members valuable chances to connect, exchange insights, and discuss sector developments within a collaborative setting. You can find out more about the committee and our upcoming events here.
How will it tie into the work you do for the Manchester Convention Bureau?
In my role, I focus on generating new opportunities for Manchester to bid for and host conferences and events. This involves supporting the Manchester Conference Ambassador Programme, which is expertly led by my colleague Anthony Cassidy. The Great Ambassador Networking Group (GANG) serves as a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, shaping best practices, and discussing the latest developments in the field. Equally, GANG provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Manchester’s Conference Ambassador Programme on a national stage, highlighting our work and sharing our successes with peers across the UK. On a more personal level, my engagement with GANG provides an opportunity to give back to the community that I have been proud to be a part of over the past two years.
What is the Manchester Conference Ambassador Programme, and why is it such an important initiative for Manchester?
The Manchester Conference Ambassador Programme, also known as the MBassador Programme, plays a crucial role in facilitating partnerships and providing comprehensive support to individuals who aspire to bring national and international conferences to Greater Manchester. This programme is rooted in collaboration, drawing together expertise from across our city region.
The programme itself stands as a testament to enduring collaboration, uniting the Manchester Convention Bureau with some of the region’s most esteemed academic institutions. This includes the Universities of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, and Greater Manchester, alongside the Royal Northern College of Music. Through this partnership, the programme is able to harness a diverse breadth of expertise and networks from across Greater Manchester.
Mbassador-led conferences play a key role in boosting the local economy and raising the profile of Manchester's institutions and research. The support provided by our ambassadors enables us to unlock even greater opportunities to showcase the city region’s leading knowledge hubs, key sectors, and prominent figures. Notably, conference bids championed by an Mbassador have almost double the success rate compared to those without such backing.
One of the strengths of the conference ambassador programmes is the way they bring together academia, business, and the city. How do you see these sectors working together to achieve shared goals?
Manchester’s academic strength is truly one of its greatest assets. Our world-leading universities and research hubs open up extraordinary avenues for knowledge sharing, making the MBassador Programme a vital connector between the city’s intellectual capital and the conferences we attract.
Our programme acts as a bridge, harnessing the expertise and reputation of Manchester’s top minds to create unique opportunities for collaboration. The MBassador initiative enables conferences to tap directly into the region’s remarkable academic and research networks, ensuring that each event benefits from genuine local insight and innovation.
It is this spirit of collaboration and dedication that sets Manchester apart, allowing our city to deliver conferences that are not only successful, but also memorable and impactful for all who attend.
In your view, what makes Manchester such a strong contender for hosting international conferences and events?
Manchester is consistently recognised for its exceptional ability to host major conferences and events. Named Best Event Destination 2024 by Major Events International, the city has also been featured among the world’s top places to visit by Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and the New York Times, underscoring the city’s widespread appeal and vibrant character.
Manchester’s achievements in the conference and events sector are firmly rooted in the spirit of partnership that exists throughout the city. The collective efforts of Marketing Manchester, the Manchester Convention Bureau, and a broad range of city stakeholders have been instrumental in building a thriving ecosystem for conferences and events.
Central to this success is our deep engagement with the research community in Greater Manchester. By tapping into a vast network of knowledge centres, Manchester continually draws on the expertise and innovative thinking of its leading researchers. This collaborative approach not only reinforces the city’s reputation as a premier conference destination but also creates a dynamic environment where shared knowledge and new ideas can flourish.
Discover what makes Manchester an excellent choice for your conference and learn how the team can assist you by visiting this link.
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