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Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 15/03/2024

Celebrated broadcaster, author, campaigner, and Chair of the Edinburgh Art Festival, Gemma Cairney, will co-host Scotland’s National Events Conference 2024.

The event will take place at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on Tuesday 26 March under the theme, "resetting the perfect stage for events".

Tickets for Scotland’s flagship industry conference for the events sector are selling fast with only a few tickets still available.

Gemma brings a wealth of experience to the conference. She is an award-winning broadcaster that has a rich background in live radio at the BBC and global advocacy.

Her CV is vast, from founding a boutique production company to a prolific published writing career on subjects that explore humanity, arts, and culture.

She will be joined on stage throughout the day by co-hosts Briadh Parker and Jemma Totty from Jupiter Artlands ORBIT Youth Council.

ORBIT is a vital plank for Jupiter Artland's JUPITER+ outreach programme. It provides opportunities for young people aged 16 to 18 to use their creativity to have an impact and make a difference.

This programme gives an exposure to careers in the arts, design, and creative industries and forms a platform on which their voices can be heard.

Gemma Cairney

Gemma Cairney

When I was asked to host this special and important event, I felt it would be interesting and fun to pass some of baton on to the next generation.

So, I called upon the Jupiter Artland's ORBIT Youth Council who I know to be smart, enterprising and will offer an insightful energy to the proceedings.

Gemma Cairney

Panel speakers

The following individuals have also been confirmed as panel speakers for the day’s closing session, "life changing events":

  • Stuart Cassell, General Manager of The Macallan Estate
  • Amy Akino-Wittering, Head of Operations & Commercial Young V&A at the Victoria & Albert Museum
  • Eilidh Doyle, double Olympian and Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete

The speakers will share highlights and inspiring examples of the power of events to create amazing experiences, drive positive change, and deliver great value for participants, workforce, communities, and visitors.

Breakout session speakers

The following speakers have also been added to the afternoon breakout session speakers list:

  • Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Head of Sustainability, PGA European Tour
  • Christian Stensrud, Protective Security Team (Martyn’s Law), UK Home Office
  • Dr Diljeet Bhachu, Co-founder / Producer, Scottish-Asian Creative Artists’ Network / Glasgow Mela.

They all join the extensive line-up of more than 40 speakers already confirmed that have been drawn from organisations based in Scotland, the UK, and overseas.

Registration for the afternoon sessions is now open for conference attendees.

I’m thrilled to have a presenter of Gemma’s calibre to host this year’s National Events Conference alongside Briadh and Jemma.

Together I’m sure they will bring great energy to the exciting and thought-provoking agenda of we have planned.

With just under two weeks to go until the conference and with tickets selling fast, I encourage you to grab your ticket now.

After a period of unprecedented change, Scotland’s National Events Conference is a chance for us all to come together to discuss and share knowledge.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events

Scotland's National Events Conference is returning for the first time in over four years. It is produced for all those working to create, deliver, and support Scotland’s cultural, sporting and business events.

Tickets for the conference are £80+VAT per person. This includes arrival snacks and refreshments, lunch, and a post-conference networking reception.

Go to visitscotland.eventsair.com for more information and to book tickets.

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