Conference News March 2020 | Page 9

9 30th anniversary milestone for Glasgow’s ambassadors Glasgow Convention Bureau is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Glasgow Conference Ambassador Programme, which contributes £650m to city’s economy. The programme is a free support and advice service, managed by Glasgow Convention Bureau, aiming to encourage local academics, scientists, healthcare professionals and business professionals to bring conferences to Glasgow. The programme has over 1,600 members and 141 conferences. This has attracted 56,000 UK and international delegates, who injected £75m into Glasgow’s economy in 2019. Aileen Crawford, head of conventions, Glasgow Convention Bureau, said: “With the largest academic community in the UK outside London, it was important for Glasgow Convention Bureau to establish the UK’s first Conference Ambassador Programme 30 years ago to support academic meetings in our city.” AEN_09.19_011_AENetwork copy.indd 1 ICCA sends message of solidarity to China The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has sent a message of solidarity in support of its 86 Chinese members over the coronavirus outbreak. An open letter read: “On behalf of the ICCA board of directors and members worldwide, we would like to express our solidarity and support of the global meetings industry community with you, your staff and families in China affected by this outbreak. “We are very concerned for the interest, wellbeing and safety of you and your family members in China. We extend our sympathies for the loss of many lives and difficult struggles disrupting your daily life. We pray for you and everyone in China and hope everything can return to normal soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the relatives of the victims and to all those affected by this epidemic. “We firmly believe that you are strong and unified to overcome this difficult time. We know the strengths and virtues of the people in China, and we are confident in your strength and perseverance. “We know one thing for sure, united as a nation, China will rise again to be stronger, more prosperous and more important as a leading force of the ICCA Global Community.” The letter was signed by James Rees (pictured), ICCA president and Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO. www.conference-news.co.uk News London’s Royal College of Physicians and its catering partner CH&CO, have partnered with Bio-bean, a recycler of spent coffee grounds, to transform its 3,500kg of waste coffee grounds a year into sustainable bio-products. 17/01/2020 16:16