Business Events team delivers a presentation for hosted buyers
As one of the world’s leading trade shows for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, IMEX Frankfurt brought together over 13,000 attendees, including more than 4,500 buyers from over 80 countries and nearly 3,000 exhibiting companies. Against this dynamic international backdrop, Scotland stood out as a business events host destination defined by innovation, collaboration and world-renowned hospitality.
EICC presentation
Strong engagement on the Scotland stand
The Scotland stand was a vibrant hub throughout the show, welcoming approximately 730 visitors across the three days.
The Business Events team hosted 120 appointments, contributing to a total of around 380 meetings on the stand when combined with partner activity, demonstrating the continued global appeal of Scotland as a business events destination.
A large number of enquiries and leads are received for Scotland with high economic value for the country. We are still recording the activity and we will follow up with an update within this article.
For 2026, the Scottish partners exhibiting on the Scotland stand were:
2B UK DMC, Aberdeen Convention Bureau, Cameron House, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Fairmont St Andrews, Glasgow Convention Bureau, Horizons Scotland DMC, K&N Travel DMC, National Museums Scotland, P&J Live, Aberdeen, The Royal Yacht Britannia / Fingal Hotel, Scottish Event Campus and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Cameron House and K&N Travel DMC presentation
Laura Wilson, Head of Convention Bureau, VisitAberdeenshire said: “IMEX was the perfect platform to promote Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a business events destination, providing the opportunity to raise the profile of the region, connect with new and existing buyers, and confirm business. Being on the VisitScotland stand enhanced the appeal of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and Scotland. The connection, focus, and energy shown on the stand highlights why Scotland provides the perfect destination for business events.”
Amanda Hogg, Account Director – MICE, Cameron House said: “IMEX was an incredibly valuable event for us at Cameron House, it gave us the opportunity to develop meaningful new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, and showcase what we offer on a truly global stage. We’ve already seen a positive impact in terms of new enquiries following the event.
It was also fantastic to be part of Team VisitScotland. The collaboration, support, and shared energy across the stand really helped elevate Scotland’s presence internationally, and we were proud to be involved”.
Business Events team delivers presentation to hosted buyers
Inspiring content and thought leadership
The Business Events team played an active role in shaping industry conversations during IMEX Frankfurt. Across the programme, the team delivered six presentations designed to inspire event planners and strategists, highlighting Scotland’s expertise, sectoral strengths and legacy-driven approach.
On-stand presentations from partners including EICC, SEC, K&N Travel DMC, National Museums Scotland, 2B UK DMC, and Cameron House further showcased the diversity and quality of Scotland’s venues and services.
VisitScotland was also represented at the IMEX Policy Forum, with Director of Marketing, Jill Walker, and Head of Business Events, Neil Brownlee, contributing to discussions on the long-term impact of business events and their role as catalysts for economic and social progress.
Scotland reception at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
Celebrating partnerships and creating connections
Networking and relationship-building were at the heart of Scotland’s presence at IMEX Frankfurt.
On Wednesday morning, the team welcomed the Events Industry Council to the stand for a networking breakfast, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Later that day, VisitScotland hosted a special reception for leading associations, recognising conference organisers who have chosen Scotland as their host destination by welcoming them as “Honorary Scots” as part of the Scotland Global Conference Network, more to be announced.
And, in true Scottish style, the day would not be complete without the always much-anticipated Scotland reception, where IMEX Frankfurt attendees and buyers experienced authentic Scottish hospitality, complete with lively ceilidh dancing on the stand.
Associations reception at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
Extending Scotland’s reach beyond the exhibition floor
Beyond the exhibition hall, the Business Events team continued to strengthen relationships and expand Scotland’s network through a range of high-profile events, including an association client breakfast with Watterston Associates, the LGBT MPA IMEX Frankfurt 2026 Networking Meet-Up, The Iceberg evening reception, SITE Night, and the Break The Ice Reception, connecting with diverse audiences and reinforcing Scotland’s position within the global business events community.
Neil Brownlee interviewed at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
A spirit that travels
Scottish warmth and hospitality are at the very heart of who we are and they travel with us wherever we go. This spirit shaped every interaction at IMEX Frankfurt, from stand meetings to evening receptions.
At each touchpoint, VisitScotland’s Business Events team proudly showcased country’s leading business events industry, the people, partnerships and passion that make Scotland truly special.
Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events, VisitScotland said: “From forging meaningful connections to delivering impactful business events, the team continues to position Scotland as a leading, forward-thinking destination on the global stage.
Our presence at IMEX Frankfurt, and the outcomes achieved, have once again demonstrated the strength of Scotland’s business events offering and the power of collaboration in driving future opportunities.”
Hear directly from our incredible business events community as they share why event planners and decision-makers should choose Scotland for their next event: Watch video. You can also discover their highlights from this year’s IMEX Frankfurt and what they loved most about the show: Watch video.
