Tag: eicc

Edinburgh to host global Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors as part of 2027 G20 Presidency

  • Chancellor announces Edinburgh as host city for 2027 G20 finance meeting 
  • Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from across the world will gather at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre from 8 to 9 July 2027

The UK will host the twenty-second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in Edinburgh next year. The gathering will take place on 8 and 9 July 2027 and will be a core feature of the UK’s programme of events across its Presidency year. 

Speaking at the IMF in Bangkok today, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey expressed pride at the prospect of hosting counterparts in Scotland’s capital.

The work of the G20 and our relationship with G20 partners has real impact in the UK. In recent years G20 members have brought thousands of investment projects into the UK, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs. 

The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). This is the second time the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors G20 meeting has been held in Scotland. In 2009, the group met in St Andrews where they coordinated responses to the 2008 financial crisis to drive economic recovery. 

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place in Manchester on 27 and 28 November 2027. As well as this event, and the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Edinburgh, a range of locations across the UK will host further high profile ministerial meetings. 

The UK Government is determined to ensure the Summit and the year-long Presidency will benefit people in every part of the UK – bringing the G20 to nations and regions across the UK.

The Prime Minister set out his intention to put AI at the heart of the UK’s G20 Presidency at UNGA last month. He detailed how the UK will bring the right people together on the key issues: delivering on the potential of AI for good and dealing with the risks to ensure that AI development is safe. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey commented: “As the UK’s second financial centre, Edinburgh is a fitting host for the G20 finance meeting.

“Alongside the Leader’s summit in Manchester, and other meetings around the nations and regions, the G20 is a real opportunity for the whole of the UK.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander commented: “The UK’s presidency of the G20 is a huge opportunity for the whole of the country.

“Bringing the world’s finance ministers to Edinburgh recognises our capital’s reputation as a global financial centre.

“This is a significant moment for Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland – the event showcases Scottish innovation and ambition to a global audience.”

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

EICC board chair, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, said: “I am delighted the Edinburgh International Conference Centre is again hosting world leaders and economic decision makers.

“To do so is a privilege and a responsibility. It also boosts Edinburgh’s offering as a business events city and shows confidence in the EICC’s facilities and track record of delivering international political and financial gatherings to world class standards.

“Our excellent EICC team, led by CEO Amanda Wrathall, will work closely with partners to ensure all aspects of this G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors business meeting is executed with the necessary care, precision and expertise for which the EICC is warmly and widely respected and renowned.”

Preparations are already underway, with EICC working closely with international, national and local partners to ensure world-class facilities, technology, delegate services and security arrangements are in place ahead of the meeting.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re pleased to have been chosen to host the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Edinburgh next Summer and look forward to welcoming the world’s most prominent financial decision makers to our capital city.

“Edinburgh has long earned its global status as a major centre for financial services, with our history in the sector spanning over three centuries. We’re proud to be the UK’s second largest financial centre outside of London and of our longstanding reputation, expertise and innovation in the finance sector.

“With a strong track record of delivering events on the world’s stage, we look forward to having all eyes on us next year – and working with partners at both a Government and local level to showcase the very best of what Edinburgh has to offer.”

Hosting the G20 finance meeting will be a significant operation and Edinburgh has experience hosting major events such as sporting fixtures, the arts festival, national and international conferences. 

The G20 brings together 19 of the world’s largest economies and the European Union and the African Union.

Together, it makes up 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population and is the main international forum for coordinating the world’s largest economies.

Edinburgh’s EICC to welcome world’s cycling elite in 2027 for first ever Tour de France start in Scotland

Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), has revealed that it will play a significant role in the operational delivery of the Tour de France 2027 when the world’s biggest cycling race arrives in the UK next year.

Marking the first time in the event’s history that the race has started in Scotland, the Grand Départ will begin in Edinburgh on 2 July 2027 and cover 184km to Carlisle, showcasing Edinburgh and Scotland to millions of spectators worldwide.

Working closely with the Grand Départ GB team, Edinburgh City Council and partners across Edinburgh, the EICC will host the race headquarters and official international press centre for the duration of the Grand Départ in July, while the team presentation will take place at Edinburgh Castle on 30 June.

Adept at delivering complex, high-profile international events at scale, The Tour de France Grand Départ selected the EICC as its race and media hub because of its proven operational expertise, unmatched technical infrastructure and highly experienced team.

The landmark international venue, centrally located in Edinburgh’s Exchange District, has connected people, ideas and industries for over 30 years, welcoming more than 2.2 million delegates across over 5,000 events.

Chair of the EICC board, Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, said: “The Tour de France Grand Départ in Edinburgh is a historic moment and a huge honour for the city, cementing Edinburgh’s reputation as a world-class events destination, with EICC at its heart.

“We are immensely proud that EICC has been trusted with a significant part of the operational delivery of this most prestigious sporting event, becoming the nerve centre for the race and international media for the duration of the Grand Départ.

“All eyes will be on Edinburgh and the EICC during this time, and the event’s legacy will benefit the city and Scotland’s wider events industry. Bringing this to fruition was a complex collaborative effort between the Grand Départ GB team, the City of Edinburgh Council and our partners across Edinburgh, highlighting the city and EICC’s collective approach to delivering events of this scale and complexity.”

Paul Bush, Managing Director of Grand Départ GB, said: “We are delighted to be working with the EICC’s expert team and to have their world-class facilities to host the race headquarters and press centre ahead of next year’s historic Grand Départ.

“These facilities will be the focus of much of the build-up ahead of stage one beginning in Edinburgh, and there is nowhere better to be at the heart of the city than with the EICC.”

EICC’s infrastructure, technical capability and team will support hundreds of accredited international journalists, photographers and broadcasters for the duration of the Grand Départ, with the press centre’s official launch on Tuesday 29 June 2027.

For more information on the Grand Départ and the route please visit:

https://www.letourgb.com/

EICC confirms £50m boost to economy with new client wins

Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has generated almost £50 million in future economic impact for Edinburgh after securing 91 new events in the last six months.

The conferences and meetings are expected to bring nearly 54,000 delegates to the city and include several multi-year bookings extending through to 2031.

Medical conferences led the way, accounting for more than £17 million in economic impact during the period. This milestone is particularly significant in 2026, as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh celebrates its 300th anniversary. Finance and Investment, Charity, Education and IT & Technology events also featured strongly among the new bookings.

Major events confirmed to take place at the venue include the International Marine Conservation Congress 2026; World Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Conference 2026; and The Aerosol Society – Drug Delivery to the Lungs, which has been a client of the venue for more than 21 years, has now booked a multi-year event from 2029 until 2031.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: “We are hugely encouraged by the venue’s strong performance over the last six months.

Every business event we welcome to the EICC represents more than a booking; it brings together delegates from around the world to enable knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, generate economic impact and showcase Edinburgh on a global stage.

“This continued momentum reflects the confidence our clients place in both the EICC and Edinburgh, demonstrating the city’s enduring strengths as a destination for business events and the value these events create for our economy, our innovation ecosystem and our global reputation.

“We are incredibly grateful to our clients for that confidence and to our team for delivering the high standards and trusted partnerships that make it possible.”

Since opening in 1995, the EICC has delivered more than £1 billion in total economic impact to Edinburgh supporting jobs, investment, knowledge exchange and commercial opportunities created by world-class events.

Obama speechwriter Terry Szuplat to share secrets of persuasive communication at the EICC

The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) will welcome Terry Szuplat, one of President Obama’s longest-serving White House speechwriters, for a unique evening of insightful conversation on Friday 27 March 2026.

Presented in partnership with The David Hume Institute, the event will see Szuplat share insights from his bestselling book Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.

Drawing on his experience helping craft nearly 500 speeches for President Obama across more than 40 countries, Szuplat will discuss the craft of storytelling, authenticity, and the art of connecting with audiences.

Joining him in conversation will be former BBC journalist Clare English, as the pair explore the communication techniques that inspire confidence and clarity, whether on the world stage or in local communities.

The talk is part of EICC Live, the venue’s free public programme dedicated to community engagement and lifelong learning, which brings inspiring voices to Edinburgh audiences.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: “At the EICC, we’re committed to creating events that have a lasting impact.

“Hosting Terry Szuplat as part of our EICC Live series embodies that mission and offers the Edinburgh community the chance to engage with ideas that shape leadership and communication at every level.”

Susan Murray, Director of The David Hume Institute said: “The David Hume Institute is committed to fostering informed public debate and bringing world-class thinkers to Scotland to explore the ideas shaping our society.

“We are delighted to be working with Terry Szuplat and the EICC on such a large public event. Terry’s experience at the heart of the White House offers a rare and valuable perspective on leadership and the power of words in public life.

“At a time when trust, clarity and authenticity in communication have never been more important, this event provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen public dialogue and inspire more thoughtful engagement across our communities.”

Discussing his upcoming talk, Terry Szuplat said: “I’m deeply grateful to the EICC and the David Hume Institute for the opportunity to bring the communications and leadership lessons of Say It Well to the people of Edinburgh and Scotland.

“The lessons that I learned from President Obama can help all of us communicate with more civility, empathy, and honesty, which our world needs more than ever.

“I’m looking forward to a wonderful evening.”

Free tickets are available to book on the EICC website here: –

 https://www.eicc.co.uk/whats-on/say-it-well-in-conversation-with-obama-speechwriter-terry-szuplat-27th-mar-2026/

EICC board appoints Judy Rae as Non-Executive Director

The board of the world-class Edinburgh conference and events venue, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has appointed Judy Rae as a non-executive director.

Announcing the appointment, EICC board chair, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron (right) said: “We are delighted to welcome Judy to the EICC board at this exciting and challenging time for the company and the business events industry.  

“Judy brings extensive tourism industry experience in driving strategic development, commercial growth, and creating impactful partnerships across both public and third-sector organisations. 

“Judy’s insights and input will be invaluable to me and fellow EICC board colleagues’ as we continue our work to ensure the EICC retains and sustains its 30-year reputation as a successful, sustainable, world class conference centre which inspires ideas that change the world.”

An accomplished tourism and business leader, Judy has over 20 years’ experience across Scotland’s cultural, visitor attraction, and business events sectors.  

Discussing her appointment, Judy (above, left) said: “I am passionate about the business events sector, and throughout my career, I’ve worked to ensure that the industry is effectively represented at the strategic level with government and key Scottish tourism agencies.

“EICC sits at the heart of Scotland’s business events sector, and I’m thrilled to be joining the board at such a pivotal moment. It is an outstanding organisation, successfully balancing commercial innovation with civic purpose, and I’m honoured to help shape the next chapter of its success”.

Edinburgh’s Scottish Thistle Awards national winners toast tourism triumph

A life-saving conference, climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, and a trailblazing up-and-comer have been crowned Scotland’s best at the country’s top tourism and events industry awards.

Attractions, events and individuals from the city received awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Hilton Glasgow last night (20 November).

After triumphing at the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards last month, finalists competed against their peers for a coveted national trophy and earning recognition across the country for their excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry.

For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.

Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.

National winners from across the Capital are:

The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024 at EICC which won Best Business Event. 

The conference welcomed over 1,600 delegates from across the globe in November 2024. It brought world leaders in science and healthcare to Scotland, the event advanced research, innovation, and collaboration in tackling HPV and related cancers. 

By raising awareness and boosting vaccination rates in schools and communities, its impact extended far beyond the conference centre. Leaving a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses, save lives, and inspire future progress.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive, EICC, said: “Winning the Best Business Event Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards is a tremendous honour.

“IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh embodied the EICC’s vision of inspiring ideas that change the world, proving that business events can deliver impact well beyond the conference floor.

“By increasing HPV awareness and vaccination uptake, its legacy reaches into communities across the globe, a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses and save lives.

“This recognition underlines the transformative role of business events in shaping healthier, stronger futures.”

Edinburgh Zoo, who took home the Climate Action Award sponsored by Historic Scotland, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.

Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.

Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife. 

“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”

Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV. The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.

Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.

As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools’ programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.

Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours – based in Edinburgh.

Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.

He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.

Hugh said: “As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”

VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said: “Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.

“The strong showing from Edinburgh is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found throughout the city’s tourism sector.

“Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places these businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

National winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland. 

Winners from all five regional awards, which also include Central and East, the West of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) competed at the Scottish Thistle Award national final.

This year’s sponsors are AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Scottish Licenced Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.

For a full list of winners, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

Edinburgh to host ‘Big CHAS Shop, Thrift, Craft, Fun’ event

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 10am – 5pm

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is hosting a ‘Big CHAS Shop, Thrift, Craft, Fun’ event on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Morrison Street.

This exciting event is a chance for shoppers to grab some amazing second-hand and pre-loved treasures while also supporting CHAS to continue providing much needed care to children with life-shortening conditions and their families. 

There will be lots of different clothing items to choose from including High Street fashion bargains, £1 rails, wedding attire and lots more.

Whether a seasoned thrifter looking for hidden gems or a craft lover eager to get stuck in, this event has something for everyone. 

Children attending can get creative at a special craft station or join in a fun craft session.

Workshops include:

  • An Introduction to Crochet with The Colour Dasher
  • Tote Bag Lino Printing with The Edinburgh Craft Club
  • Punch Needle Art Workshop with The Edinburgh Craft Club

Tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday (11 am to 5 pm), with Early Bird entry (10 am) also available, for those keen to beat the crowds and get first dibs on any thrifty finds.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.chas.org.uk/events/the-big-chas-shop or on the door.

It’s a Wonderful Life Celebrating the Festive Season

Christmas arrived early for some Edinburgh care home residents this week, with a festive lunch and film afternoon at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

In collaboration with catering partner, Leith’s, the event catering division of Compass Scotland, the EICC produced a special event for local people with Dementia. 100 guests were invited for a traditional two-course Christmas lunch while they watched the Christmas classic, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on the big screen.

The Leith’s and EICC teams approached local care homes, agencies and charities to invite residents to attend the free event and enjoy some festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas. Residents and carers joined the event from Home Instead, Colinton Care Home, St Margarets Care Home, Alzheimer Scotland, Viewpoint Housing Association and Re-Engage Edinburgh.

Guests were greeted with a glass of bucks fizz to start the celebration, before enjoying a starter of either Cock-a-leekie terrine with pickled vegetables and tomato chutney or celeriac and sun blushed tomato tartare with oatcakes, followed by roast turkey or a roast butternut squash pave with all the trimmings. The afternoon was rounded off by coffee or tea and mince pies.

This is the third time the EICC has hosted the festive film afternoon for local care home residents. The event was carefully considered and supported to ensure it was comfortable, calm and enjoyable for all. 

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, this activity is in line with its ‘Our Social Promise’, which launched in 2022. This includes a Mission to a Million commitment, to provide support to one million people by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.

Claire McHardy, Leith’s General Manager at EICC said: “We understand the importance of social connections for older people, so we were pleased to be able to reach out to these organisations to help us put on this event.

“It was a lovely Christmassy afternoon, and it was heartwarming to see the joy that our food and the film brought to our guests.”

Lisa Moodie Commissioned Service Lead for Edinburgh & Lothians at Alzheimer Scotland said: “Alzheimer Scotland was delighted to be invited to the EICC’s festive film and lunch.

“The people we support thoroughly enjoyed the chance to watch a classic film over a festive lunch. Thank you to the EICC for reaching out to involve us.”

Marshall Dallas, EICC Chief Executive commented: “We’ve worked closely with Alzheimer Scotland over the last ten years, holding their annual conference here at the EICC.

“We have also hosted social gatherings for Re-engage, so we’re really pleased to welcome guests today from these organisations, together with guests from local care homes, as we enjoy a wonderful festive occasion.” 

City Chambers turns pink to mark Organ and Tissue Donation Week

EDINBURGH is highlighting the importance of Organ and Tissue Donation Week 2024 which runs from September 23-29 September.

This year the NHS Organ Donor Register celebrates its 30th birthday. To raise awareness of the incredible gift of organ and tissue donation, the City Chambers is turning pink.

The annual campaign raises awareness for the ongoing need for organ donation, whilst also encouraging people to make a decision about whether they wish to opt in or out of donation and making sure these wishes are discussed with family members.

Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), another landmark building on the city skyline, is also lighting up pink in support of the campaign.

Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Almost 60,000 lives have been saved since the NHS Organ Donor Register was created in 1994. Organ and Tissue Donation Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight this incredible fact.

“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, we must also be mindful of the fact that more than 7,600 people in the UK are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. There are thousands of people who could be given a new lease of life by a donor. To help as many people as possible we all need to play our part by considering and registering our decisions to be, or not to be, a donor. 

“These are conversations that need to be had amongst families, friends, colleagues, and communities as we go forward.  Families are more likely to support donation when they are already aware of their loved one’s wish to be an organ donor. 

“Whilst it’s heartening that over half of people in Scotland have now registered their organ and tissue donation decision, a great many people still haven’t done so.  Whatever your choice may be, the important thing is to make it, discuss it with loved ones, and record it.

“I hope the aim of this week’s campaign of raising awareness of the lifesaving opportunities of organ donation encourages anyone who is 16 years old or over who have yet to record their decision to do so by visiting the official website today.”

New experiential events showcase comes to Edinburgh

EXPERIENCEit, the new initiative designed to support the growing market for experiential events in Scotland and across the UK, will showcase its debut event in Edinburgh next month.

Organised by EVENTIT, this unique event will take place on Thursday 8 February 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

EXPERIENCEit celebrates the rise in the desire for experiential events in the UK events industry.

This is a key trend in the industry, with 74% of experiential event attendees saying that they are left with a more positive opinion of the organisation and its offerings afterwards (Event Marketing Institute).

Judith Wilson, Events Director of EVENTIT said: “We’ve launched EXPERIENCEit to bring events professionals together to be inspired, share ideas and insights, and drive our sector forward. We will take people on a journey of incredible sights, great tastes, new smells, fantastic sounds, and numerous opportunities to touch and test.

“The desire for experiential events is continuing to rise and from the plans we’ve seen so far from EXPERIENCEit exhibitors it’s easy to see why. With just two weeks to go until we’re all at the EICC, any last-minute sign-ups don’t have long left as spaces are limited!”

Experiential events often generate significant social media buzz, with attendees more likely to share their experiences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, amplifying the reach and impact of the event for the brand.

Exhibitors have been encouraged to create immersive and experiential activities, offering delegates a glimpse into the future of event experiences and include Vue Cinemas, Social Jungle, Topgolf Glasgow, Iventis, Kimpton Hotels and Newsquest.

The event will bring together professionals from diverse industries to offer a platform to share, learn and collaborate on the future of experiential events.

EXPERIENCEit will be held on Tuesday 8 February 2024 from 8.30am – 4pm at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh with tickets costing £75 plus VAT.  For more information and to secure your place visit eventit.org.uk