3
Scotland
Edinburgh
expectations
Natasha Breen, head of marketing and communications at Edinburgh First,
on why the Scottish capital should be at the top of your list
hat are the
benefits of hosting
a conference in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading
cultural hubs, famed for its historic
architecture, Michelin-star restaurants,
and as a starting point for travel to the
highlands, making it an attractive
destination for those organising a
conference or event.
Scotland’s capital city is the second
most popular conference and event
destination in the UK, according to the
International Congress and Convention
Association (ICCA), topped only by
London. As one of only a handful of UK
cities listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, it offers a unique experience for
delegates, by offering conference
venues steeped in history, such as the
19th century McEwan Hall, which
combines classic architecture with
state-of-the-art conference facilities.
Having convenient and comfortable
accommodation where delegates can
unwind and network can be as important
to organisers as the conference venue.
The capital city has accommodation to
suit all tastes and budgets, from
traditional venues to modern hotels and
self-serviced apartments. Edinburgh’s
compact city centre means these
options are often within walking distance
of the conference venue, as well as
cultural landmarks such as Edinburgh
Castle, The Palace of Holyrood House,
and the iconic Arthur’s Seat.
Convention bureau Edinburgh First
operates a number of conference
venues and accommodation services
- with award-winning catering choices
– throughout the city, and our Event
Management Service can help event
organisers plan their event every step
of the way.
How has conferencing changed in
Edinburgh over recent years?
In recent years, we have noticed a
rise in the number of large
conferences, at a value of £50,000 or
higher, held in Edinburgh. Some of
these conferences have
accommodated several hundred
delegates at once, often for more
than a day. Edinburgh’s range of
unique, large venues, as well as the
accommodation and catering on
offer, make it a great choice for this
increasing demand.
As in other parts of the UK,
conference organisers and delegates
in Scotland are demanding that
catering features greater use of fresh,
locally-sourced produce. This is
reflected in Edinburgh First’s
conference catering offerings. For
example, the local and healthy food
and drink options provided by the
catering team at Edinburgh First has
been recognised by VisitScotland,
through the Taste our Best
accreditation.
Finally, organisers are looking for
more than just a traditional
conference room. They want to create
an experience that delegates will
remember – something that
Edinburgh’s unique and historical
venues can offer in abundance.
www.conference-news.co.uk