First unveiled in 1985, the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.Since opening, the iconic events venue has hosted 3,889 events and welcomed over 28 million visitors through its doors; making the SECC one of Europe’s most successful venues. Last year alone, the SECC delivered £342 million worth of economic value to Glasgow and hosted a number of memorable events.
The acclaimed venue has received many accolades over the years. This includes winning one of the industry’s most converted awards, Meetings & Incentive Travel’s Best UK Conference Centre two years running in 2008 and 2009. It is also the only multi-purpose UK venue of its size to be awarded with the highest environmental accreditation by the Green Business Tourism Scheme 2009.
Speaking of the venue’s success, Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, SECC; “Over the years the SECC has built up a reputation for hosting exceptional events and a proven track record for delivering visitors and delegates alike. It is these qualities that event organisers value.”
Joining forces with the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) the SECC has planned a host of initiatives to run throughout 2010, aimed at attracting new business tourism to the city.
At the forefront of these initiatives will be a campaign focusing on commemorating the SECC’s ‘25 Champions’. These Champions will be people and organisations that have helped position the SECC and Glasgow as the globally respected destination for events and business travel. Anyone from the taxi driver who delivers the delegates, right through to a hotel General Manager who ensures delegates are well looked after whilst doing business at the SECC.
“In what is set to be a very eventful year for us, the Champion initiative is our way of rewarding everyone who has played a role in helping us to achieve such an important milestone,” explains Ben Goedegebuure.
Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau concludes; “Since opening in 1985, the SECC has played a major role in establishing Glasgow as a leading conference destination. 25 years later, it not only remains the city’s flagship venue for meetings and exhibitions, but also reinforces Glasgow’s world-class conference credentials.”
