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Business Tourism in the Capital is Soaring

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Photo Credit: Edinburgh Convention Bureau

Convention Edinburgh unveils recent bid wins

Edinburgh, the UK’s leading International meetings destination outside of London, has announced a solid start to 2017 with five new bid wins equating to 3,400 delegates and serving over £7M to the local economy. In conjunction with its members, Convention Edinburgh – the organisation responsible for promoting Edinburgh as a premier conference, events and meeting destination – has released details of the large-scale events that will help the Capital city maintain its world class status.

Recent confirmed wins include the European Group for Organisational Studies Colloquium (EGOS) taking place in July 2019 with 1,200 delegates expected and bringing a total of £4M in economic benefit to the city. In April 2018, the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM) will host their 22nd annual conference in Edinburgh in April 2018 bringing £732K to the city with 600 delegates. On a similar scale, Eurocities will host its conference in November 2018 bringing 500 delegates and £977K to the economy.

Currently ranked 35 in the world’s city rankings by International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and a member of BestCities Global Alliance, Edinburgh offers undisputed standards of excellence for hosting high profile conference and events.

Lesley Williams, Head of Business Tourism at Convention Edinburgh said:
“We’re off to a really strong start for 2017 and can only see this strengthening over the remainder of the year. 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.”

“As a convention bureau, Convention Edinburgh recognises the support clients need in the planning of their event from location scouting and building relationships with key people and organisations to creating meaningful events through legacy and sustainability – and we’re there every step of the way. Edinburgh as a destination is a fantastic option for events of all sizes and we’re always working to develop and strengthen our offering.”

Constantly evolving its facilities to further strengthen its offering, recent developments 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, due to re-open this summer. £25M is also 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.

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 and Chair at University of Edinburgh

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.”

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