Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions at Glasgow Conventions Bureau, shares what’s making the city standout as a conference destination.
Glasgow is a well-established and popular destination for national and international conferences and events. Known for its rich cultural heritage, urban vibe, and warm hospitality, the city offers a compelling mix of modern amenities and traditional Scottish charm. The infrastructure, award winning Convention Bureau and friendly Team Glasgow approach has positioned it as a top choice location for Business Events.
One of Glasgow’s strengths is the choice of world-class conference venues. The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is a prime example. The SEC Centre offers a versatile space with five interconnected exhibition halls, numerous meeting rooms and an interconnected Crowne Plaza hotel. The SEC Armadillo, designed by the renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, provides an iconic location, set on the banks of the River Clyde, offering a capacity of 3,000 delegates.
In addition to the SEC, Glasgow offers notable academic venues such as the University of Glasgow, which combines historic grandeur with modern facilities. Glasgow Caledonian University, the city’s newest university is in the heart of the city centre and The Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) at the University of Strathclyde is another cutting-edge venue, ideal for science and technology-focused events. These university venues offer flexible spaces that can accommodate a wide range of events, from small business meetings to large-scale international conferences.
Easy accessibility is another key factor in its appeal as a conference city. Glasgow International Airport, located just 15 minutes from the city centre, offers extensive domestic and international connections. The city’s efficient public transport network, including buses, trains, and the subway, ensures easy navigation for delegates. Additionally, the city is well-connected by rail, with direct services to major UK cities such as London and Manchester.
The ease of travel within Glasgow is complemented by its compact city centre, which allows delegates to walk between hotels, conference venues, restaurants, and attractions. This pedestrian-friendly layout enhances the overall experience for attendees, making it convenient to explore the city’s offerings during their stay.
Glasgow provides a diverse range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From upscale hotels such as the Kimpton Blythswood Square and the Radisson Blu to budget-friendly options such as the Leonardo and Motel One, the city caters to a broad spectrum of delegate needs. Most hotels are located within walking distance of the major conference venues, adding to the convenience for delegates.
The city’s hospitality sector is renowned for its warmth and friendliness, ensuring that delegates feel welcome. Glasgow’s reputation for outstanding service is supported by numerous accolades, including ‘World’s Friendliest City’ by Rough Guides.
Beyond the conference room, Glasgow offers a vibrant cultural and social scene that enhances the overall experience for event attendees. The city is home to a wealth of museums, galleries, and theatres, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and The Burrell Collection, recent winner of Museum of the Year 2023. These venues provide unique opportunities for conference- related social events and networking.
Glasgow’s culinary scene is another highlight, featuring a wide array of dining options that showcase the best of both Scottish and international cuisine. The city’s West End is particularly known for its bars and restaurants, offering delegates numerous options for post-conference socialising. Additionally, the Merchant City area, with its local bars and cafes, provides an excellent setting for informal meetings and gatherings.
In recent years, Glasgow has made significant strides in sustainability, making it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious meetings. The city is number one in the UK and eighth in the world on the Global Destination Sustainability Index of over 100 global tourism and event cities.
Glasgow has implemented numerous green initiatives, including the creation of a low-emission zone and investment in renewable energy. The SEC, for example, has received the ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, reflecting its commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Glasgow’s efforts to promote sustainability are complemented by the city’s extensive green spaces, such as Kelvingrove Park, Pollok Park and Glasgow Green, providing delegates with open spaces for post- conference relaxation.
The city’s proactive approach to attracting and supporting conferences is evident in the work of the award-winning Glasgow Convention Bureau. The Bureau provides free and comprehensive support services, ensuring that event organisers have everything they need to deliver a successful meeting in the city.
Furthermore, it’s focus on innovation and knowledge exchange makes it a hub for academic and professional events. The city’s universities and research institutions actively collaborate with conference organisers, offering access to expert speakers and cutting-edge facilities.
Outstanding conference facilities, accessibility, diverse accommodation, rich cultural offerings, and commitment to sustainability creates a compelling blend for planners, ensuring that events held in the city are both memorable and successful.
Visitglasgow.org.uk/convention-bureau