Strong start for Edinburgh conference business

McEwan Hall

Convention Edinburgh said the Scottish capital, the UK’s leading international meetings destination outside of London, made a “solid start” to 2017 with five new bid wins equating to 3,400 delegates and more than £7 million for to the Edinburgh economy.

Recent confirmed wins have included the European Group for Organisational Studies Colloquium (EGOS) taking place in July 2019 with 1,200 delegates expected, bringing £4 millionof economic benefit to the city.

In April 2018, the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM) will host its 22nd annual conference in Edinburgh.

And Eurocities will host its conference in November 2018 in Edinburgh.

Recent developments to boost the capital city’s conference and business meeting offering include the revamp of Edinburgh First’s McEwan Hall, part of the University of Edinburgh, which is undergoing a multi-million-pound renovation to transform the historic venue which is due to re-open this summer.

And about £25 million is being invested to revamp the 1935 bandstand in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens to create a 3,000-seat concert and event venue space with a new pavilion, café and visitor centre that will be completed in December 2019.

Lesley Williams, head of business tourism at Convention Edinburgh said: “Despite challenges and uncertainties brought about by Brexit, it’s great to see Edinburgh consistently attracting high-profile events and conferences.

“The city is truly cementing itself as a global competitor.”

Professor John Amis, conference host of EGOS (2019) and Chair in Strategic Management & Organisation at University of Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh is a beautiful, historic and connected city that combines its heritage with vibrant, modern facilities and first class service.

“It presents the European Group for Organizational Studies with a unique opportunity to host a highly professional and memorable event in a stunning setting.

“The multidisciplinary social science traditions of EGOS are reflected in the dynamic and engaging intellectual climate at University of Edinburgh Business School, and in its relationship with the University’s other world class disciplines, including Informatics, Law, Sociology, Psychology and Public Health.”

Professor Stephen Osborne, conference host of IRSPM (2018) and Chair of International Public Management at University of Edinburgh said: “Finding good conference venues for the International Research Society for Public Management annual conference is always a challenging and competitive process, as many institutions bid to host the conference.

“However, Edinburgh’s combination of outstanding conference facilities, excellent international travel links and host of social and other activities to supplement the conference programme, make it a stand-out choice.”