Glasgow reports record breaking year for conference business

Glasgow's reputation as a leading national and international destination for conferences has been cemented by the latest statistics on the value of this important part of the city's economy.

Article Source: Glasgow Convention Bureau
Last Updated: 12 May 2025 14:38

Figures released by Glasgow Convention Bureau for April 2024 - March 2025 not only highlight a significant increase in the number of delegates at business events in the city but also reveal a record-breaking spend by delegates.

Over the 12 months, Glasgow hosted over 430 conferences, welcoming more than 140,000 delegates who contributed more than £153m benefit to the local economy – a £10m increase on the previous year’s results.

Head of Tourism and Conventions at Glasgow Life, Aileen Crawford said: “Glasgow’s record-breaking year is a powerful testament to our city’s global reputation as a world-class conference destination. This success reflects the strength of our Team Glasgow approach, the dedication of our partners, such as the SEC, hotels, conference venues and our local academic community, alongside the appeal of our welcoming city. We are proud that Glasgow continues to attract prestigious academic meetings that bring lasting economic and social impact.”

The positive impact of the city’s partnership approach to attract Business Events is endorsed by partner organisations.

Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus Director of Conference Sales, Kathleen Warden, said: “The team at the SEC has been laser-focused on bringing the very best of UK and international conferences to the city in partnership with Glasgow Convention Bureau and our city stakeholders. We are immensely proud to have played a key role in such as successful year of business.

“Among the events hosted at the campus was the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology contributing over 35,000 delegate days and Diabetes UK – which has hosted at the venue many times – and the Interpol General Assembly, which once again put Glasgow at the centre of the world’s media. Our conference business ensures the longer-term economic prosperity of the city and our knowledge economy, and we’re thrilled to have business secured as far as 2029.”

Conference organisers share their experience of meeting in Glasgow:

Sam Wass, Professor of Early Years Neuroscience, University of East London said: “Hosting the International Conference on Infant Studies (ICIS) in Glasgow was an extraordinary experience. The 2024 gathering was one of the most vibrant and globally connected in our society’s history. Welcoming researchers, clinicians, and students from over 40 countries, we’ve shared groundbreaking work and forged a global network that is more united than ever in supporting the wellbeing of children and families around the world.

“The research presented—on topics ranging from brain development and early language learning to the impact of caregiving and culture—has been inspiring. Just as importantly, the energy and dedication of our delegates reaffirmed that the future of infant studies is in deeply thoughtful, curious, and compassionate hands.”

Anam Khan, Exhibition and Conference Event Manager for the All-Energy event held in Glasgow in 2024, added: “The annual All-Energy Exhibition & Conference is a landmark event for the UK’s clean energy sector, and what better place to host it than Glasgow - a city at the forefront of the just transition to net zero. Over two days in May, we welcomed well over 10,000 attendees, innovators and policymakers, all committed to accelerating the shift to a more sustainable future.

“All-Energy 2024 was a true celebration of ambition, innovation, and collaboration. Across two action-packed days, the event showcased the full breadth of the energy ecosystem—from offshore wind, hydrogen and solar, to storage, smart grids, and the decarbonisation of heat, transport, and cities.

“The conversations were bold, the ideas transformative, and the buzz on the show floor was undeniable. The energy transition isn't a distant goal - it's happening here and now. Events like All-Energy prove just how powerful it can be when industry, government, and communities come together to shape what’s next.”

Professor Esther MacCallum-Stewart, Chair of Worldcon 2024, added: “Glasgow 2024, A Worldcon for our Futures welcomed over 7,000 attendees from over 50 countries to Glasgow in August 2024. The event featured five action-packed days of exhibits, talks and panel discussion linked to all aspects of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Gaming. Coming back to Glasgow, a city with its own legacy of resilience and reinvention, made this year’s Worldcon all the more meaningful. The warmth of the community and the energy of our volunteers and partners made this event extra special.”

Glasgow’s strength as an experienced and welcoming host city for conferences – hosting more international delegates than any other UK city outside London – include key benefits, such as:

• UK's Best Convention Bureau (M&IT Awards) offering a wide range of free support
• 13,000 bedrooms in the city centre - managed through our free accommodation booking service
• 12th most sustainable conference destination in the world (2024 GDS Index)
• Bespoke impact and legacy activities
• ‘World's friendliest city’ - Time Out Index 2022
• University city and a hub of innovation
• Easy to access and to get around
• Team Glasgow approach - city businesses working in partnership to support conference success

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