Throughout 2020 the team had been signed up to, and was organising, a number of events across key markets. These have all now been either cancelled or postponed from their original time and format due to the on-going Covid-19 situation. We have updated these opportunities with as much information as we have at this time about changes to dates, formats and participation.
Our biggest aim is to help facilitate a safe and swift return to doing business, embracing the changes, challenges and new opportunities that arise over the coming weeks, months and years. Current indications are that the domestic market will return first, followed by short-haul, then long haul-markets, and with a growing inclusion of digital platforms.
Keep an eye on this page, as we regularly add up-coming information and opportunities.
UK & Ireland
Accounting for 40% of overall enquiries, The UK sits strongly as the largest market for Corporate & Incentive (C&I) business events coming into Scotland. Home to the headquarters of some of the top global MICE agencies and corporate offices, we offer a range of engagement platforms targeting buyers based in the key hubs within London, South England, The Midlands and North of England. The UK team now also covers Ireland as a developing market with a key corporate focus on Scottish sector related companies.
List of opportunities:
- The Meeting Show | 19 - 20 October 2020 (registration is now closed)
Europe
69% of all inbound international MICE visitors into Scotland come from Europe, representing 55% of expenditure. Key markets within Europe include Germany, France and Spain. VisitScotland Business Events pursues a targeted marketing strategy in Europe, focusing on the German-speaking, French and Spanish markets, where we have representation for sales, marketing and PR activity. There are a number of marketing platforms available for Scottish partners interested in developing their presence in these markets including trade missions, workshop events, fam trips and press opportunities.
List of opportunities:
Pending the necessary relaxation of current lockdown measures, there will be a chance to register your interest for the following planned opportunities.
- French Networking Evening, Paris | November 2020 (TBC)
The Americas
We offer a range of platforms targeting the lucrative markets in the Americas including USA, Canada and South America. You can join us at events such as IMEX America and the Latin America Incentive Travel Exchange, Sales Missions and Meeting and Incentive Forum. With the increased levels of direct flights into Scotland and the strong dollar the North American market represents a great opportunity at this time with unprecedented levels of interest in Scotland coming from North America, the largest International market for Scotland and indeed the largest MICE market globally.
List of opportunities:
- Global Meetings and Incentive Exchange, Phoenix, Arizona | 1 – 4 October 2020
- Global Incentive Summit, Banff, Canada | 25 – 27 October 2020
- Meeting & Incentive Forum - The Americas | 1 – 4 November 2020
Emerging Markets
Increased flight connectivity through Middle Eastern hubs and a new direct flight route from China, is transforming the visitor profile from emerging markets, resulting in groups travelling from further afield to Scotland. If you are interested in developing your business in China, Middle East, India and Russia, or are witnessing increasing business from other emerging markets, please get in touch with Lindsay Neilson to discuss opportunities. Due to the nature of these markets, many agents work with clients in both MICE and high end leisure situations. VisitScotland's Leisure and Business Events teams collaborate where appropriate when targeting certain markets.
List of opportunities:
No opportunities at the moment.