Many of the leading decision makers in the events sector gathered in Scotland in recent days, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and annual Host City conferences took place in Glasgow.
In a first for WADA, one of the most important bodies in sport, the decision was taken to hold its Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 19-20 November.
Around 100 delegates attended the weekend-long event, among whom were members of the International Olympic Committee, International Sports Federations and National Olympic Committees, to discuss how to combat doping in international sports.
The event, supported by VisitScotland’s Business Events team, reflects Scotland’s world-wide reputation as the deliverer of successful major business events and conferences and a world-leader in staging sporting events.
This occasion was closely followed by the annual Host City 2016 conference, where hundreds of event owners, city representatives and suppliers from across the globe enjoyed a busy programme, including top-level speakers from some of the most influential organisations across the spectrum of sporting and cultural events.
The event at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, from 21-22 November, is well established as the perfect opportunity for cities and event owners to network with and learn from peers in the business of bidding for and hosting cross-sector events, from mega sporting occasions to live entertainment and congresses.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The decision by both WADA and Host City to bring these crucial and high-profile conferences to Scotland at this time is representative of our status as the Perfect Stage for events of all varieties.
“Scotland has a wealth of state-of-the-art facilities which allow us to host major conferences year round, generating significant value for the national economy, and I am delighted we continue to offer the ideal solution for many of the world’s most important organisations.”
“In its third year, Host City conference and exhibition is firmly established as the leading international meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. We are delighted to see Host City continuing to grow in Glasgow, Scotland,” said Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group and Host City.
