Insight: Issue 167 | Wed 17 Jan

Baltic Innit?

As (another) cold snap rolls mercilessly across the UK, we’re turning up the heat on this week’s events news round up, with some scorching hot tales from around the UK. Just don’t go outside…..

This week we have; Glasgow earns £140M from hosting conferences in 2023; AEG Europe Shares Update on Edinburgh Arena Plans; UKEVENTS confirms updated executive committee and working groups; What you need to know about AI; and fancy some more predictions for 2024? Oh no, not more!

Glasgow earns £140M from hosting conferences in 2023

2023 was a bumper year for our home town, with Glasgow bringing in more than £140 million in economic benefit from the conferences it hosted last year.

The city hosted more than 350 conferences in 2023 and welcomed more than 115,000 delegates, strengthening its position as an international conference destination, according to a report by the International Congress and Convention Association

Angelika Wegscheider, office manager at EERA, the organisers of the European Conference on Educational Research (ECER), said: “Glasgow was a perfect place to re-enter into in-person conferences again. Having so many people in Glasgow meeting again after three years made a lively, buzzing atmosphere and showed the association as vibrant and creative.”

Gaun yersel the Weeg!

AEG Europe Shares Update on Edinburgh Arena Plans

AEG Europe has shared an update about its new 8.500-capacity Edinburgh arena which is set to be open to the public in 2027.

According to the Edinburgh News, AEG provided the update for its plans during a second public consultation in Edinburgh this week. It said if the plans are approved, it hopes to host upwards of 150 concerts a year at the new venue.

Alistair Wood, AEG Europe’s VP of real estate and development, said to the Edinburgh News, “We have been looking around Edinburgh for a long time and initially looked at a site further down in Edinburgh Park but this is perfect. We hope to put the plans in to the council in February and then we are hoping for a quick decision.” 

UKEVENTS confirms updated executive committee and working groups

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, has announced key changes to its executive committee, with Chris Skeith OBE and Susan Tanner reappointed to the executive committee.

David Tremmel has also been newly appointed to the executive committee, representing industry trade body beam.

Tremmel said, “UKEVENTS is a fantastic platform, a varied collection of partners, agencies, and members, all with a unified voice. Together we can champion change, promote our core values, and get our sector recognised and acknowledged.

“I represent the small to medium event agencies which are currently underrepresented. I understand the issues faced, the problems we encounter, and I am aware of the importance of improving relationships, furthering integration and promoting unity.”

What you need to know about AI….

…according to Simon Clayton, chief ideas officer at RefTech. In an article in Conference News, Simon outlines how to use AI effectively and keep up with its evolving features.

From understanding AI, to engaging with AI platforms thoughtfully, and understanding its capabilities, Simon takes us through his musings and sheds some light on that big fat artificial intelligence elephant in the room.

Read more here.

Predictions for 2024? Oh no, not more!

Well, not predictions as such – more wishes from RealiseMe CEO, David Preston. David has provided us with his three wishes which he thinks will strengthen every event organiser’s success this year.

Here’s a prediction from us – if the last few years are anything to go by, all 2024 predictions will be nowhere near as wild as real life.

And that’s all folks (for this week)

Now you’ve had your fill of the latest goss, pop that kettle on, turn the gas heater up to 3 bars and stay nice and toasty indoors….we’ll be back next week with another batch of eventing news and views.
Until then….