Free event support for the Haugesund region

We can offer:

• Mapping and assistance investigating whether an event can be hosted in the region
• Preparing an application or bid (an official invitation from the local host)
• Obtaining a letter of support/welcome letter from the municipality
• Organising a fam trip for decision makers
• Advising on activities surrounding the event
• Being a link to the municipality and county
• Helping make the right connections and finding collaborative opportunities
• Transferring expertise from other organisers, host towns and cities, via our network
• Further developing events that are to be held annually
• Help to find the perfect venue and accommodation
• Putting you in touch with local suppliers and/or a professional conference organiser (PCO)
• Calculate the estimated value creation of the event

Marketing and PR support:

• General marketing advice
• Support for pratical information about the region for the events website
• A tailored presentation about the region for attendees
• Providing access to an image bank for presentations, programmes etc.
• Brochures, maps and other information material
• Putting together a welcome package
• Sending out press releases
  

How can the support be free of charge?

The municipalities on Haugalandet are owners of Destination Haugesund & Haugalandet/Visit Haugesund. An event has major ripple effects. The economic value creation is impressive, for example 11.5 million nok from Floating Wind Days and 6 million nok from the European Weightlifting Championships, but this is only a small part of the value creation. Events create relationships, build local pride, strengthen professional communities and contribute to a sense of community. Visitors who experience the region through an event often return - either as tourists or potential newcomers. All this benefits the municipalities, our owners.

Part of a larger network

We are proud to be part of Innovation Norway's network for meeting, congress and event cities. This gives us increased visibility, valuable networking opportunities and access to expertise that helps us help you.

Useful tools

Do you need images, maps, brochures, guides or similar? Take a look at these useful tools for events in Haugesund and Haugalandet.

Become an ambassador for Haugalandet

We're here to support you throughout the entire process - from the first planning meetings to the realisation of your event. Destination Haugesund & Haugalandet works closely with municipalities, Innovation Norway, local suppliers and activity companies to help local hosts make the event a success.

Annual Ambassador Ceremony

In 2024, we held the first ambassador ceremony for Haugalandet with more than 100 committed participants from culture, sports and business in the city council chamber at Haugesund Town Hall. This will become an annual tradition where we focus on organisers who create ripple effects and put the Huageusnd region "on the map". 29 ambassadors from 16 events were honoured with awards. There was a wide range of events, from conferences to sports championships and festivals.

Criteria for receiving an ambassador award

• The event had attendance from outside the region
• The person has brought an event home to the region or has started an event
• Contributes to increased value creation in Haugalandet
• The event is new (or has undergone significant changes in the past year)

The exception to the last criteria is an annual award of honour that goes to events with a long-term and significant impact.

Reiselivsmidlene

It is possible to apply for financial support from "reiselivsmidlene" for various events, as well as for other projects that contribute to targeted tourism development for Visit Haugesund's member companies and/or other relevant partners. Financial support is conditional on the project having regional value and that it triggers increased value creation in the region, either in the short or long term. Want to apply? Please get in touch for guidelines

Why are events important?

There are many different ways in which events generate activity and local value. Visitors use local transportation to get to Haugesund, they book accommodation, and they buy food and other items, and this injects money into the region. We may even be able to inspire people attending an event to stay a few more days, or to return again in the future. Together, we should help them discover everything the region has to offer (for example, by sending out a tailor-made presentation about the region in advance of the event).

Whether it’s a conference, exhibition, festival, sporting event, championship or other exciting event, the organiser needs to procure goods and services in order to carry out the event. Another aspect is that events can generate local pride, create experiences and engage volunteers. This makes the region a more attractive place to live and, not least, builds a reputation as a destination worth visiting. If it’s a large event, we can use Innovation Norway’s event calculator to calculate local value creation.