The Volvo Ocean Race arrived in Cardiff this weekend for the start for a two-week stopover and to mark the significant occasion, industry experts from Europe and the UK have today come together to explore the vision for the future of Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Harbour Authority (CHA) and Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway hosted the conference which was devoted to Cardiff Council's new vision for the next development phase of Cardiff Bay as a destination within the city.

Leading representatives from Cardiff's business community shared views on the development of the Bay over the past 20 years and suggested what lessons could be learned in planning for the future.

Taking place at The Exchange Hotel and Wales Millennium Centre, the event attracted an international panel of specialists who were asked to give their view on what future opportunities should be.

Speaking at the conference, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway said: "The redevelopment of Cardiff Bay we have seen over the last 20 years has reunited the city with its waterfront, providing a platform for investment in commercial and residential development and giving the bay a new purpose.

"In that time, the revitalised waterfront has generated around 20,000 jobs, 10,000 new homes and 80 hectares of green space, so the regeneration of Cardiff Bay has certainly worked.

"However, it is now ready for the next phase in its development, and as our Capital Ambition says, we are committed to setting a refreshed vision for Cardiff Bay as a leisure destination, building on the success of existing attractions and bringing new venues, regeneration and iconic developments to the area.

"Our vision for the future of Cardiff Bay will create Wales' primary visitor destination - for local residents; people across from across Wales and the UK; and visitors from around the world."

Highlights included:

-         Mike Lawley, Chair, Cooke & Arkwright; From Mudflats to Thriving Economy: A Property Perspective

-         Callum Couper, Port Manager South Wales Ports, Associated British Ports;The Future for Cardiff Port

-         Gordon Young, International Award-winning Sculptor and Artist;Disrupting the Way We Think about Waterfronts

Tourism Consultant, Professor Terry Stevens said: "The idea of taking time to look to the past to help inform the future, resonates with everyone with an interest in the future of our post-industrial ports and harbours. It Is highly appropriate, therefore that Cardiff, this one-time pre-eminent global port should be hosting the Volvo Ocean race and using this international gathering to, not only celebrate Wales' Year of the Sea, but to harness the coming together of specialists from around the world to influence our thinking about the exciting future of Cardiff and its Bay."