This opening main stage session offers a 360-degree view of where the sector is today, where it is heading and what must change to continue delivering long-term value for Scotland.
Main stage sessions
Scotland’s role in a changing global landscape
The business events industry is evolving faster than ever, shaped by global disruption, shifting delegate expectations, economic pressure and growing demands for sustainability and purpose-led impact. This opening main stage session offers a 360-degree view of where the sector is today, where it is heading and what must change to continue delivering long-term value for Scotland. The discussion will explore the role of business events in supporting Scotland’s visitor economy, inclusive growth, internationalisation and place development, while examining market shifts, climate action, skills, infrastructure and collaboration needed to meet future demand.
Featured speakers include:
- Graeme Dowie, General Manager (Scotland), Spectra DMC
- Jane Cunningham, Director of European Engagement, Destinations International
- Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, SEC
- Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events, VisitScotland and Immediate Past Chair, PCMA
The motion up for debate: This house believes that the hospitality sector is inherently a poor long-term career choice.
The Big (BE) Debate
Get ready for fast thinking, bold arguments and a bit of healthy discomfort. Amanda Ferguson (The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection) brings her renowned debating session to Journey: The Business Events Conversation, joined by the University of Edinburgh debating team and senior industry voices for a high-energy clash of ideas.
The motion up for debate: "This house believes that the hospitality sector is inherently a poor long-term career choice."
The debate will interrogate the realities facing hospitality and events, challenging assumptions and exposing tensions. Sharp, provocative and impossible to sit back from, this session invites delegates to listen, react, and decide where they stand on one of the industry’s most critical questions.
Featured speaker include:
- Amanda Ferguson, Head of Business Development, The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection
Industry experts:
- Lesley Williams, Director, Caeliam LTD and Chair, Women in Tourism Scotland
- Lindsay McClenaghan, Business Development Manager, Abbey Conferences
- Rebecca McIntyre, Business Events Executive, Aberdeen Convention Bureau
- Michael McGowan, Convention Bureau Business Development Officer, Glasgow Convention Bureau
A candid and independent view of how the business events industry is progressing towards Net Zero.
Sustainability checkpoint: the hard questions on Net Zero and the future of events
Returning to the conference stage, Anna Abdelnoor, Founder of isla, offers a candid and independent view of how the business events industry is progressing towards Net Zero. She will reflect on recent progress, highlight where the sector is falling short, and challenge surface-level sustainability narratives. Drawing on her work across events, destinations and global organisations, Anna will explore what genuinely drives impact, what must change, and what the next phase of climate action means in practice—creating a safe space for honest, challenging conversation.
Featured speaker include:
- Anna Abdelnoor, Founder, isla
The session explores how partnerships between events, destinations, and community organisations can drive inclusive growth and sustainable local impact.
Transformation talks (Volume 4)
Business events have the power to strengthen communities, shape places, and deliver lasting social impact. Returning once again, Transformation Talks highlights organisations putting people, place, and purpose at the centre of tourism and events. This year, Kat Brogan (Mercat Tours) and Andy Williamson (Welcome Brain) share their journeys, challenges, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration with the business events sector. The session explores how partnerships between events, destinations, and community organisations can drive inclusive growth and sustainable local impact. It concludes with an open audience Q&A, inviting discussion on supporting community-led initiatives and turning intent into action.
Featured speakers include:
- Andy Williamson, Founder, Welcome Brain Consulting
- Kat Brogan, Managing Director, Mercat Tours
