Convention organisers gathered in Brighton to promote the resort as a conference centre.

The city council, hotels and tourism businesses staged the event even though the Brighton

Centre will be out of commission for about two years from the end of 2005 for rebuilding and renovation.

They welcomed 43 conference buyers on Friday and hoped the visit would bring millions of pounds worth of extra conference business to the city.

The buyers arrived in brilliant sunshine and some planned to stay for the weekend to visit attractions such as the marina.

Deputy council leader Sue John said: "This kind of hospitality by the council and private sector partners has one purpose - to generate income for local businesses and help create and sustain jobs.

"This is very much a city effort involving local transport providers, caterers, florists, hotels, restaurants and attractions."

Although the centre is the major conference venue, few conferences are big enough to fill it. The capacity is 5,000 seats.

Other venues are available that will take most conferences, including the Hilton Brighton Metropole, the Dome and Hove Town Hall.

Coun John said conference bookings were up at the Dome now that it had been renovated.

She said: "Only a few large conferences, such as those of the major political parties, cannot go there."

Coun John said the council hoped to have a firm plan for replacing the Brighton Centre by the end of the year.

The council is looking at getting a private sector partner interested in the project, which would be beyond the finances of the authority alone.

Tuesday October 21, 2003