Pictured: VisitScotland's Richard Knight
An international
business events summit involving 20 event organisers from North America could
bring much as £15 million to the Scottish economy.
The eVent: The UK
Summit, an invitation-only summit that kicks off tomorrow at Edinburgh's
Sheraton Grand Hotel, will welcome the incentive organisers, who represent £15
million in enquiries.
The three-day summit
is being delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with London & Partners - the inaugural event was held in London last year.
In addition to
business-to-business appointments and industry seminars, guest speaker Jonathan
Bradshaw, founder of the Meetology Lab, will lead delegates through an
accredited education session.
Delegates will also
attend a gala dinner at Borthwick Castle in Midlothian as well as take
part in a GPS treasure hunt through the streets of Edinburgh. They will also
have the chance to participate in one of two destination familiarisation trips
following the conference, allowing them to explore either Scotland or London.
Richard Knight,
VisitScotland’s business events director of marketing for The Americas, said:
"This invitation-only summit presents a huge opportunity for Scotland
to promote itself as a world-class meetings and events destination to the crème de la crème of
the North American business events industry.
"With its
rich history, heritage and culture and a range of contemporary world-class
venues, Scotland offers a unique stage for the meetings and incentives market
and we hope attendees will be inspired to bring their future events to our
shores."
Chris
FJ Lynn, vice president, North America and emerging markets – business tourism, at London &
Partners, said: "London is home to some of the most exciting venues,
hotels and restaurants and we are pleased to be able to share this with our
group of North American buyers. The capital keeps reinventing itself with great
new openings, and with its wealth of culture and history, it is one of the
world’s best destinations for business meetings and events.
"Last year’s
summit was a success and we are looking forward to receiving the group to
showcase all that London has to offer."