Students also benefit from hands-on experience at Scotland’s premier conference venue and can even apply for scholarships to attend global ICCA conferences.
Scotland’s business events sector plays an important role in this effort, offering opportunities through apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with education providers. By investing in skills development today, we’re helping to build a strong, diverse, and future-ready workforce for tomorrow.
Education
Edinburgh Napier University’s MSc in Business Event Management, offered in close partnership with the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), has firmly established itself over the past seven years as a leading pathway into the business events industry. The course is the first Scottish programme to achieve full ICCA membership, with students able to gain access to international research, networking events, and industry trends.
Students also benefit from hands-on experience at Scotland’s premier conference venue and can even apply for scholarships to attend global ICCA conferences, allowing them to engage directly with professionals from around the world.
The newly formed Young Leaders Committee was launched in early 2025 and focuses on creating space for under 35s in the incentive travel industry to connect, learn and grow.
SITE Scotland
This year, SITE Scotland has reintroduced its Young Leaders initiative. Headed up by Rebecca Carr, Sales Manager, MICE, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, it aims to create inclusive, engaging spaces for young talent in the incentive travel world.
The newly formed Young Leaders Committee was launched in early 2025 and focuses on creating space for under 35s in the incentive travel industry to connect, learn and grow.
Several events this year target young leaders in Scotland’s Incentive Travel industry.
The first event is a co-working morning in July at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh – a relaxed session featuring networking, peer discussion and idea sharing over coffee. Focus areas include:
- Building community and connections among young people in the industry
- Encouraging career development through shared learning and inspiration
- Hosting accessible, low-barrier events across Scotland
Future plans for the group include hosting regular co-working mornings, interactive and informal socials, along with guest speakers, mentorship opportunities and creative workshops.
The group is open to members and non-members, and the inclusive approach is designed to grow awareness and engagement among emerging talent in the industry.
The conference featured some fantastic in-depth conversations surrounding the future of sustainability in Scottish business events, as well as top industry advice and career tips.
VisitScotland's Business Events Conference
Eight students from events management-related courses at the University of West Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University and Robert Gordon University were invited to join us for the Journey: The Business Events Conversation, VisitScotland’s Business Events conference.
Students were given the opportunity to meet with Head of Business Events at VisitScotland Neil Brownlee; Head of Aberdeen Convention Bureau Laura Wilson; and Sales Manager, MICE, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Rebecca Carr, to ask any questions about the business events world, big or small.
Additionally, at The Big (BE) Debate, two students from the University of Edinburgh joined four industry professionals to debate a thought-provoking motion: “This house believes that incorporating CSR activities into business events is merely a tick-box exercise.”
The conference featured some fantastic in-depth conversations surrounding the future of sustainability in Scottish business events, as well as top industry advice and career tips. The feedback was resoundingly positive and most left with a desire to continue or begin pursuing a career in business events.
The aim was to provide the students with networking opportunities as well as hearing about the latest trends, feedback and challenges industry in an official setting.
National Events Conference
Sixteen students from the same four universities were invited as day delegates to the National Events Conference. The aim was to provide the students with networking opportunities as well as hearing about the latest trends, feedback and challenges industry in an official setting.
This was a fantastic experience for me to practice my public speaking abilities, and to network with likeminded people who are passionate on the subject of youth retention in the industry.
IMEX Frankfurt 2025
David Gerrard, Events Graduate within the business events team, recently had the chance to participate in a panel session at IMEX Frankfurt with Senior Business Events Manager at VisitScotland, Rory Archibald. Titled ‘Future proofing business events by attracting and retaining talent’, David provided an honest and holistic analysis of his experiences so far, highlighting the positives of the industry such as inclusivity for younger people and the opportunity to progress and develop. There was also a discussion of some of the challenges, such as fewer younger people joining the industry, a lack of industry knowledge, and overuse of industry-related jargon.
David comments: “This was a fantastic experience for me to practice my public speaking abilities, and to network with likeminded people who are passionate on the subject of youth retention in the industry.”
Key takeaways from the event were related to how to create an unforgettable event using AI, and the power of networking as a young leader, which David also found hugely valuable.
MPI Conference
David and Rory also attended the MPI World Education Congress held at the America’s Centre in St. Louis, Missouri. The event drew 1,900 in-person attendees, as well as 300 virtual participants. Key takeaways from the event were related to how to create an unforgettable event using AI, and the power of networking as a young leader, which David also found hugely valuable.
VisitScotland Business Events and Robert Gordon University
VisitScotland Business Events has worked with Katie Goldie, Lecturer in Events Management at Robert Gordon University, for over two years, assisting with industry input and experience for some of her student modules. Robert Gordon University also has close relationships with other industry colleagues at P&J Live and the Aberdeen Convention Bureau.
As part of their partnership, members of the VisitScotland Business Events team have given talks to event management students to share their experiences and the activities of VisitScotland Business Events, as well as recording useful sessions full of practical industry knowledge.
From the classroom to the conference hall, Scotland is preparing the next generation of event professionals through innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose. By hosting your next business event in Scotland, you gain access to outstanding venues and deep sectoral expertise, while supporting youth development and education.
Connect with our team at business.events@visitscotland.com and play your part in shaping tomorrow’s business events sector workforce.
