Host City 2025, the greatest meeting of organisers, hosts and owners of sports, business and cultural events, has revealed the conference theme and agenda topics, and confirmed the Global Presenting Partners and Hosts.
The conference will centre on the theme “Getting on with the Business of Major Events.” This year’s focus underscores a renewed commitment to the practicalities of hosting and delivering world-class sports, business, and cultural events.
Taking place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts Glasgow Life and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, Host City 2025 will offer a dynamic and diverse program featuring keynotes, interviews, workshops, and panel discussions.
Keynote Addresses & Q&As will explore critical topics, including:
- The enduring inspiration of major events
- Lessons from organising committees
- The business of sport in the Middle East
- The business of sport in the Americas
Plenary sessions will address pressing industry trends such as:
- Driving growth in major events
- How AI is transforming major events
- Making major events pay
- The economics of women’s sport
- Private investment in major events
- Digital fanship and engagement
- A decade of sport in the Americas
- Technologies driving event delivery
- Advances in security and ticketing
Workshops & Case Studies will provide hands-on insights into subjects ranging from:
- Bidding processes and strategies
- Net Zero
- Innovations in AV and broadcasting technology
- New event formats and production innovations
- Tools for managing teams and events
- Data, infrastructure, and transport solutions
- Procurement processes and opportunities
- VR and immersive experiences
- Purpose-led sponsorship and commercialisation strategies
- Ensuring event relevance and long-term impact
An exhibition featuring event hosts, owners, and suppliers will run alongside the conference.
Host City 2025 will feature the second Host City Awards, set to take place over an Awards Dinner on 2nd December, recognising excellence in major event hosting and delivery across a range of categories.
With an expanded agenda and a sharpened focus on industry challenges and innovations, Host City 2025 is an unmissable gathering for leaders shaping the future of major events.
Host City 2025 conference and exhibition takes place at the Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow, Scotland.
Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group said: “Host City 2025 will provide our community of major event organisers, owners, hosts and suppliers with deeper and more varied opportunities for learning and business. We thank Glasgow and Scotland for their longstanding support of Host City.”
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “The Host City Conference provides an invaluable platform for global events sector partners to come together to share their experiences and insights on industry issues, and take part in productive discussions and debates about the challenges and opportunities host cities face.
“The event also provides a fantastic opportunity for the world’s top industry contacts to network and build connections that foster collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships – which is incredibly important too. So we are really looking forward to welcoming Host City delegates to Glasgow once again in December..”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The return of Host City to Glasgow and Scotland reinforces our reputation as a world-leading events destination. The conference and exhibition will provide the ideal platform for delegates from across the sport, cultural and business events landscape to come together and discuss the issues and trends facing the industry. With EventScotland continuing its support of Host City as Global Presenting Partner alongside Glasgow Life, we look forward to once again welcoming delegates from around the globe back to Glasgow this December.”
