Following hot on the heels of Glasgow’s best ever year for hosting international conferences (ICCA Statistics 2022), 2023 promises to be just as successful, as the city prepares to welcome back almost 13,000 delegates to the city as part of a series of conferences who loved Glasgow so much the first time, that they’re coming back for more.
Glasgow’s conference market has bounced back post COVID, with the recently announced ICCA Statistics positioning Glasgow number one in Scotland for the number of international meetings in 2022, second in the UK after London, and 22nd in Europe, above major cities such as Geneva, Munich, Hamburg and Manchester. A busy period from June to October sees the city welcome back four flagship European conferences, all of whom previously held their meetings in Glasgow.
On 10 June, Glasgow welcomes back the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG), Jerome Del Picchia, ESHG Executive Officer said:
“Organising a conference in Glasgow at the Scottish Event Campus now for the second time, has been a pleasure. During all stages of the organisation, one gets the distinct feeling that all parties are working together towards a common goal, being able to achieve the best conference possible. The usual level of service of the SEC is making one feel wonderfully taken care of. The Glasgow Convention Bureau is a gem. The city has obviously arrived in the circle of those venues, who understand the economic value and the importance of international conferences and do their best to provide the level of support an international organiser is looking for.”
Following the ESHG conference, Glasgow prepares to welcome back the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), the SPIE Europe Space, Satellite and Sustainability Conference and the European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC). Between them these prestigious European meetings will deliver over £23m in economic benefit to the city, demonstrating Glasgow’s position as one of the leading conference destinations in Europe.
Simon Blows, Event Logistics & Development Manager at the Institute of Engineering Technology, organisers of ECOC 2023 said:
“The Glasgow Convention Bureau is a friendly, highly experienced team that offers excellent support to conference organisers. At the IET we repeatedly go back to them as we appreciate the high level of service we receive. Glasgow Convention Bureau’s support to us has been comprehensive, proactive, and highly professional. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge, which they put to excellent use, making Glasgow an ideal destination for events of all sizes and types. The repeat business for 2023 is a testament to the Bureau’s excellent service and the city’s appeal as a conference destination as well as demonstrating their expertise and ability to deliver successful events that leave a lasting impression on attendees.”
Tracey Thomson, Head of Operations at AMEE added:
“Having had the opportunity to work with the SEC and Glasgow Convention Bureau for the first time in 2010, their services and support were invaluable in delivering a successful conference. The city is perfect for an international conference like AMEE and the adaptability of the venues ideal for our vast academic programme. The support received in 2010 played a key role in our decision making to return to the city on a regular rotation. I think it’s fair to say that we have built up a fantastic partnership over the years and I am truly delighted that AMEE will once again be returning to the city for the 3rd time in August 2023.”
Aileen Crawford, Head of Glasgow Convention Bureau said: “The city’s ability to welcome back these prestigious European conferences is testament to the Team Glasgow approach in supporting our clients in the successful delivery of their meeting, whilst also giving delegates a memorable experience as guests in our city. Looking forward, confidence remains strong, with over £214m of confirmed conference business in the diary up to 2027.”
Kathleen Warden, Director of Sales at the Scottish Event Campus said:
“We’re delighted welcome the return of these meetings to the SEC and Glasgow, it’s an endorsement of our commitment and ability to deliver for our international and European conference organisers. These meetings matter for the progression of science and knowledge across critical fields. Having them take place in our venue and city once again, is a real privilege.”
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