Staffordshire confirmed to host national event promoting placemaking

Staffordshire has been confirmed as the location to host an annual national event to promote placemaking and place shaping across the UK and internationally – at the iconic Lichfield Cathedral.

The county has been chosen by City Nation Place to host its UK conference. The event will bring together place leaders to focus on how to build place attractiveness and reputation – and to build civic pride, attract visitors, talent and investment.

We Are Staffordshire – has made the announcement following a successful bid put together alongside Lichfield District Council and the Cathedral and is only the second host outside of London.

We Are Staffordshire recently became a City Nation Place Champion – a network of leading decision makers from place brand, economic development, and destination marketing organisations from around the world – alongside founding partners New Zealand, Tasmania, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and the Western Cape in South Africa.

We Are Staffordshire is made up of a broad range of partners including private sector businesses, the county, district and borough councils and its universities. The Lichfield Cathedral event takes place on September 19, and is hoping to attract hundreds of local authority and place branding leaders from across the UK and beyond.

Lichfield Cathedral is a board member and partner of We Are Staffordshire.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and We Are Staffordshire board member Philip White said:

“It’s excellent news that we’ve been chosen as a host for the UK City Nation Place event, which our team has worked hard to attract, and which will be another accolade for our county and the city of Lichfield. We’re proud that the iconic Lichfield Cathedral will welcome delegates from the UK and internationally.

“As members of City Nation Place, We Are Staffordshire is at the heart of an organisation which can promote the county on a global stage.

“City Nation Place provides a unique link and platform that stretches across oceans and time zones, allowing us to come together as peers to tackle the big issues of the day – and work towards the solutions of tomorrow – so we can strive to be the best custodians and marketers of our wonderful places.”

Clare Dewhirst, director of City Nation Place said:

“As we progress the conversation on the potential power of place branding to drive place economies, we’re delighted to be bringing the 2024 UK conference to Lichfield. We Are Staffordshire has approached the development of its place brand strategy with innovation and creativity and Lichfield is a city with heritage and ambition, so we know that, as hosts, they will add to the value of the agenda.”

As part of the event, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the city and find out more about exciting development plans from Lichfield District Council.

Lichfield District Council leader Doug Pullen said: “We are honoured and excited that Lichfield has been chosen to host City Nation Place UK in September.

“We are proud of our district’s rich history and heritage and look forward to sharing them with delegates at this important conference.”

People can find out more by contacting We Are Staffordshire Head of Place Marketing Louisa Shaw.