Understanding Derbyshire’s MICE Market: How External Insight Can Unlock Smarter Investment

“Chris’s ability to build and manage key stakeholder relationships has been outstanding. From partners to clients, Hartley Consulting & Events consistently represents our brand with professionalism and impact, helping us forge valuable connections and long-term collaborations.”

Despite being Coventry born and bred I hadn’t appreciated that the Theatre offered conferencing and meeting facilities.

“Chrisʼs experience across tourism and events has made him a trusted advisor across multiple successful projects”

I asked Hartley Consulting & Events to give us a clear, evidence-based view of the MICE market, both nationally and across Derbyshire, and that is exactly what they delivered.

The report gave us a detailed understanding of demand for conferences, awards and celebration events, alongside clear insight into pricing, trends, venue requirements and the competitive landscape.

What stood out most was the depth of engagement. Hartley Consulting & Events spoke directly with event agencies, corporates, venue finders and platforms, local tourism bodies and national trade associations. The intelligence was current and credible, not based on assumptions.

As a result, we are now able to prioritise our venue investment and strategy with real confidence. I would not hesitate to recommend Hartley Consulting & Events to any organisation looking for clear, commercially grounded insight.

Hartley Consulting & Events played a critical role in the development and delivery of Destination Coventry. Chris brought strategic, operational, and business development expertise throughout.

Working alongside Chris at Drapers’ Hall has been seamless.

His depth of experience, strategic thinking, and ability to build genuine partnerships has had a real impact on the venue’s growth. He’s been consistent, clear, and always one step ahead.

Working with Hartley has changed how we operate. They’ve brought commercial clarity to our process, helped us structure our services, and elevated how we pitch and deliver creative work. We’re sharper, more strategic, and more in demand because of it.

Chrisʼs support has become a real asset. We now have a full calendar for June and July, with more in the pipeline.

Hartley Consulting & Events brought valuable contacts and deep knowledge of the events and meetings industry. Chris supported us at every stage - nothing was ever too much trouble.