Article published 09/10/2019
The landscape of business events is changing, and Scotland is striving to be at the forefront of that transformation. Over the last decade, the perceived outcome of business events on the host destination has slowly changed. Where once the driving force was economic benefit through delegate spend, it is now about the lasting, long term benefits to our local communities, our national society and the world at large.
In June 2019, VisitScotland Business Events launched the Legends Legacy Network. The initiative recognises that collaboration is what makes Scotland the incredible place it is for innovation, research, invention and pioneering spirit. It brought together 15 of Scotland's premier innovation centres, industry representative organisations and research hubs, with the aim to utilise Scotland's future business events to enhance Scotland's inward investment, inclusive growth and global profiling ambitions.
The launch of the network reflects the drive for change in our industry which is being supported by the Joint Meetings Industry Council who this year launched the Business Events Legacies Case Study Project Report. This report collected, analysed and synthesised the findings on broader contributions that conferences, congresses, trade shows, convention centres and bureaux deliver to destinations, communities, industries and economics. Examples were drawn from across the globe. The report can be found here.
The Legends Legacy Network will continue to push and develop on the outstanding work that has already been achieved through the Legends campaign and continue to show that business events are a critical tool for economic and social progress.