St Petersburg’s Expoforum raises its international profile

Expoforum, St Petersburg’s congress and exhibition centre, is making a renewed push for international association congress and exhibition business with the appointment of UK-based Soaring Worldwide and Watterston Associates on a brief to raise the venue’s international profile and develop new leads and opportunities in key target markets. Expoforum is Russia’s most technically advanced venue capable of hosting 30,000 delegates across 45 conference halls and three pavilions, supported by 50,000sqm of indoor exhibition space, 40,000sqm of outdoor space and a variety of local hotels. “Expoforum has established itself as Russia’s leading venue for large events. Our hosting of the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum, during which we host more than 17,000 people from 143 countries, including heads of state, is a clear demonstration of our capabilities,” said Maria Tsedeviyn, Head of Advertising, Design and Digital Division at Expoforum. “Through a variety of channels we are expanding our reach and are looking forward to the impact that focused PR and lead generation will have on future events taking place here at Expoforum. With their specialism in the market, particularly targeting international associations, the partnership between Soaring and Watterston is an exciting opportunity for us.” Adam Baggs, Creative Director at Soaring Worldwide, added: “When Expoforum originally approached us we recognised that there was a need to go beyond just a public relations and press offering. Having previously worked on several successful projects with Julie Watterston and her team, it made sense to create a joined-up approach to help develop Expoforum’s profile and new business opportunities. As a specialist to the meetings industry with a focus on venues and destinations targeting the association market, this project is perfect for Soaring Worldwide and I look forward to working with the teams at Expoforum and Watterston over the next year.” Watterston Associates managing director, Julie Watterston added: “This is a great opportunity for all of us…we expect to see significant results moving forward.”