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Photo: Glasgow Convention Bureau

A Year of Legacy-Building Initiatives

Glasgow has cemented its reputation as a global leader in creating purpose-driven conferences, with the Glasgow Convention Bureau delivering an exceptional year of impact through the Glasgow Conference Impact Network (GCIN). Launched in partnership with the Glasgow Science Festival in March 2024, the network fosters collaboration among local stakeholders to ensure conferences in the city leave lasting legacies.

Through partnerships with academic institutions, charities, and event organisers, GCIN facilitated impactful initiatives that reached diverse communities while enhancing Glasgow’s position as a leading destination for academic association meetings.

Key 2024 Highlights

  • 7 impact initiatives delivered, marking a 40% increase in events compared to 2023.
  • 1,096 participants engaged in innovative events aimed at fostering education, awareness, and collaboration.
  • Diverse audiences reached, including parents, carers, delegates, local professionals, and children.
  • Creative projects, such as the design of 50 pillowcases by paediatric sleep patients across two children’s hospitals.
  • 84% of surveyed participants reported a positive impact from the events.
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Photo: Glasgow Convention Bureau

Driving Legacy and Innovation

The launch event in March featured an inspiring panel discussion led by Dr Deborah McNeil of the Glasgow Science Festival. Dr Lorraine Work’s award-winning “Brain Health Day” initiative, held in conjunction with the Glasgow BRAIN conference, stood out as a case study for how conferences can embed public engagement into their legacy planning.

Since the launch, impactful events have included:

– A public lecture on the benefits of lifelong physical activity, delivered during the European Congress on Sports Science.
– A “Meet the Expert” session at the Glasgow Science Centre, held as part of the International Congress of Infant Studies, which featured interactive activities for children and parents.
– The Save the Tooth campaign, hosted at Glasgow Central Station by Dental Trauma UK, Glasgow Warriors, and the University of Glasgow Dental School, engaged over 350 commuters with practical tips for dental emergencies.

Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions at the Glasgow Convention Bureau, remarked: “Taking the subject matter of conferences outside the walls of the convention centre and into the community is hugely important to our association clients. The Glasgow Conference Impact Network has brought Team Glasgow together to maximise the positive, long-term impacts of conferences hosted in our city. We’re proud of the legacy we’re building and look forward to continuing this work in 2025.”

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Photo: Glasgow Convention Bureau

Looking Ahead

Following the success of the first year of the Glasgow Conference Impact Network, Glasgow is poised to expand its legacy and impact-focused initiatives in the coming year. The GCIN invites event organisers to collaborate and create conferences with purpose, ensuring meaningful outcomes for communities, delegates, and industries alike.


Learn more about the Glasgow Convention Bureau here

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