This collaborative initiative aims to strategically identify, target, and secure large-scale association conferences, leveraging the combined expertise of the region's leading organisations. The taskforce seeks to enhance Aberdeen's profile as a premier business events destination and compete effectively with established European cities.
The formation formalises a successful collaborative approach that has previously secured significant events, such as the 87th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition in June 2026, which drew over 6,000 participants and generated an estimated £13.2 million economic impact. Other successes include the EUSOBI Annual Scientific Meeting in September 2025, attracting 1,500 delegates, and the UK Stroke Forum in November 2025, which welcomed 2,000 delegates.
Building on this proven track record, the taskforce will adopt a more deliberate and sustained approach to target associations aligned with the region's strengths in energy, life sciences, digital & tech, food, drink, and agriculture. The initiative aims to bring thousands of delegates and millions of pounds in economic impact to the region annually.
Steve Daun, Head of Association Sales at TECA, emphasised the collaborative nature of the wins, stating, "EAGE, EUSOBI and the UK Stroke Forum were not won by any single organisation; they were won by a team that brought together a world-class venue, leading academics, clinical experts and a convention bureau all pulling in the same direction."
Laura Wilson, Head of Aberdeen Convention Bureau, highlighted the city's unique selling proposition: "What sets us apart as a conference destination is not any one asset in isolation, but the way our partners work together... to present a compelling, joined-up offer."
Dr Rachel Shanks from the University of Aberdeen noted the importance of conferences for knowledge sharing and collaboration, stating, "By working as a taskforce, we can target associations whose ambitions align with the region's research strengths..." Dr Izzy Crawford of Robert Gordon University added that such collaboration strengthens the institutions' national and international profiles.
Lesley Meldrum, Head of Corporate Communications for NHS Grampian, highlighted the role of conferences in showcasing clinical and research work, attracting talent, and strengthening partnerships. She stated, "The UK Stroke Forum and EUSOBI both showed what is possible when our clinical expertise is matched with a world-class venue and a collaborative team behind it."
The taskforce will now focus on developing a coordinated pipeline of target associations, aiming to establish Aberdeen and the North-east of Scotland as a leading European destination for association conferences.
