Interview |
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president and CEO of Visit Indy , who is the first destination representative to hold this role . By holding a senior leadership role with PCMA there is an opportunity to be part of the bigger drive to establish business events as catalysts for social and economic change and gain wider understanding of the industry from society . |
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In Scotland , bidding for association conferences is undertaken by our city convention bureaux in conjunction with their conference venues , city suppliers and local ambassadors . VisitScotland supports these bids with the provision of support letters from relevant organisations including Scottish government and by leveraging our Transformation Protocol network to be involved with sector specific events .
Glasgow Convention Bureau has created its own Positive Impact and Legacy Team , to provide additional support to organisers wishing to create
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a tangible and measurable impact to the wider public when hosting meetings in the city . It would be great to see more cities and destinations establishing their own teams and supporting their local communities .
How valuable are your international industry association relationships ? Engaging with industry associations like PCMA and groups such as the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe is crucial because the events industry is often overlooked , and business events is an overlooked bit within that ! It is important to connect and discuss things with others facing similar challenges . Business events are not always recognised for their true potential . These associations provide education and act as support systems for professionals in the industry .
I am also incredibly proud to have been recently appointed chair-elect of PCMA in 2024 , making me the first non-North American ever to be chair elect and the first national destination ever to be chair ( in 2025 ) in PCMA ’ s 60-year history . Next year , I will be supporting chair Leonard Hoops ,
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Edinburgh |
Tell us about any new relevant major sustainability initiatives . Over the years , VisitScotland Business Events has implemented several environmentally friendly measures , such as banning printed collateral and promotional gifts at trade shows for us and our partners , only using green accredited venues for our familiarisation trips , utilising local and in-season produce at our events and requiring sustainable practices at all events sponsored by our organisation .
We also have a number of aspirations to help Scotland ’ s business events sector meet net zero targets , including helping to establish a fund to help legacy venues achieve net zero targets by installing renewable energy sources , creating public green spaces , and installing electric vehicle charging points .
VisitScotland has invested almost £ 4m ( US $ 5.04m ) to The Destination Net Zero programme , which is delivered on behalf of the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group ( STERG ), a key strand of the government ’ s £ 25m Tourism Recovery Programme . Further information on the programme and resources can be found on the VisitScotland website .
We recognise that there also needs to be further advocacy on key areas that are crucial to net zero targets , including the introduction of electric bus fleets and city-wide public transport passes for delegates ( currently only offered in Glasgow and self-funded ) and subsidies for direct air routes from the cleanest airlines . We hope that they will be turned into action in the coming years . n
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