First International Business Development Manager at the Ricoh
The Ricoh Arena in Coventry has appointed its first International Business Development Manager.

Gill Sage has vast experience in the exhibitions and conference industry throughout the world and she has joined the team to entice more global businesses and associations to hold their events at the £113 million venue.

With the co-operation that now exists between the Ricoh Arena and Coventry City FC, Gill will also be selling the Sky Blues internationally and will be working closely with SISU to maximise development opportunities for the club.

Gill said there were many untapped markets to explore to encourage companies to hold their exhibitions and conferences at the multi-purpose venue.

“There are not many other venues in the UK that have such high quality conference, exhibition and banqueting facilities under one roof along with a fantastic stadium, hotel and health club,” said the 43-year-old.

“The Ricoh Arena is attractive to international businesses and associations due to its accessibility and cost effectiveness in the current climate particularly with the strength of the euro against the pound.

“Quite simply, the Ricoh Arena is a purpose-built conference and exhibition centre and does exactly what it says on the tin.”

Gill will be developing relationships with Advantage West Midlands, Coventry City Council’s inward investment team, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and CV One.

“The tourism industry is vital to the West Midlands and working in partnership will benefit all parties,” she added.

“It will also encourage companies from overseas to visit the region for business or leisure which benefits everyone.”

As well as attending International Confex at Earls Court in London last month, Gill will also be attending IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany, from May 26-28 and EIBTM in Barcelona between December 2-4 which also attract leading figures from the events industry in the UK and from across the world.


Gill previously worked in meetings and events consultancy roles with the international hotel chain, Jumeirah Group, and the Toronto Convention Bureau in the UK and before that with the world’s largest cruise operator Carnival Corporation for five years.


PICTURE CAPTION: Gill Sage, who has been appointed International Business Development Manager at the Ricoh Arena