Q1: What have been the keys to the SECC success?
Working in partnership with our ambassadors and city partners, aligning our strategy with our fields of expertise in our universities, hospitals and industry; hard work, determination, robust research, and the best sales and operations staff. We also have a very flexible attitude to the business and put excellent service at the heart of what we do. I also believe that continuity and longevity are key – many of our staff have been with the business for a considerable length of time which delivers the benefit of great experience and a good understanding of what our clients need.
Q2: What role does SECC play in promoting tourism for the city?
The SECC is the key driver for tourism in the city and delivers significant economic impact . In the year 2015/16, as a result of the business conducted by SECC, the net additional expenditure in Glasgow was estimated at 411m, in Scotland 308m and in the UK, 240m GBP. The diversity of our business attracts conference delegates from across the globe – each delegate is a potential future ambassador for our city. Last year we staged 16 international conferences, which was a record for the venue and accounted for almost 80% of all international conference delegates who visited the city. We also stage over 40 exhibitions every year, attracting visitors from all over Scotland, and also from overseas for our trade exhibitions. Our most recent success in generating tourism business for the city is as a result of our live entertainment business that is attracted to The SSE Hydro – our purpose-built live entertainment venue. In its second year of trading, the SSE Hydro became the second busiest entertainment venue in the world.
Q3: What does your client base look like?
Happy! On a serious note – we house exhibitions, live entertainment and a host of conferences. These include national associations, European and international associations and corporate meetings and events. Our client base is broad and diverse, and is the essence of our success. If one sector is having a more challenging year, this is usually shored up by a stronger performance in the other sectors.
Q4: What are the biggest challenges facing meetings industry in your sector?
I think everyone would offer the same answer to this question – uncertainty. We are again in unprecedented times. However, experience and history tells us that usually things stabilise. Right now, the SECC is an even more cost effective option than before because of favourable exchange rates., and 80% of our conference business is in the association sector, which tends to be more stable than the corporate market. Associations have to meet, so conferences on the whole, will continue to exist. Also, the desire for face to face meetings and live experiences is one that is inherently human. I think it is case of making good decisions and weathering the storm. As always, market changes force you to adapt in order to retain and grow your business in a changing environment – this is evolution, and something to embrace rather than fear.
Q6: What has been you most memorable event and why?
There really are so many memorable events, because we build up such great relationships with our clients – it is the experiences that we have working with our clients that make event memorable. I think in some ways, the best events are the ones that you know you have worked so hard to win – I really can’t pick one.
Q7: How is the value for money for European meeting planners?
I believe that value has to be built-in for the long term for your clients, and this really comes down to what you include in terms of services and how well you deliver on them. And we do include a lot of services in our rental. This offers financial value, and resource value. Perhaps our greatest value offering is our links to the local expert community and local industries – this is the added value that money can’t buy.
Q8: On a personal note, what would be your ideal event to host in SECC?
I would love to see a major car launch in our new venue – the SSE Hydro, which is part of our campus, the capabilities are incredible– 12500 seater amphi theatre style auditorium designed by Foster and Partners has a rig that can take 80 tons – what an amazing opportunity for a reveal. We also have a fabulous campus that can be converted to accommodate a race track. Also, the SSE Hydro can be lit 16 million different colours – I can’t imagine a better venue for such an event.
Q9: Do you ever turn business away?
We are a long established and busy venue, so unfortunately, there are times we don’t have availability. On occasion if we feel an event is not quite the right profile for the business, we might need to decline. On the whole, we are doing everything that we can to house the right mix of business that enables us to deliver well.
Q10: Are there any green or sustainability initiatives, which have been implemented in the Centre’s design?
Yes, the SECC has made great strides in helping both visitors and exhibitors at the venue be greener than ever before. 2009 also saw the SECC awarded a Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold award. We invested in a baler and minimiser in late 2007 and this has been put to great use. The SECC can now reduce many waste streams – cans, glass, paper, plastic, polythene and wood. As a venue, we are also making strides to recycling all event carpeting. All SECC power demands are also met from green sources. However, one of my favourites has to be the green “skirt” around the bank of the Hydro which is made of thousands of honeysuckle plants to attract bees!
