Glasgow’s Conference Impact Network leaves a powerful legacy year
Glasgow is continuing its mission to create purpose-driven conferences via the work of the Glasgow Conference Impact Network (GCIN). Launched by the Glasgow Convention Bureau in partnership with the Glasgow Science Festival in March 2024, the network fosters collaboration among local stakeholders to ensure conferences in the city leave lasting legacies.
Through, GCIN facilitated impactful initiatives that reached diverse communities while enhancing Glasgow’s position as a leading destination for academic association meetings. Key 2024 highlights of GCIN partnerships with academic institutions, charities, and event organisers include:
7 impact initiatives delivered, marking a 40% increase in events compared to 2023. 1,096 participants engaged in innovative events aimed at fostering education, awareness, and collaboration. Diverse audiences reached, including parents, carers, delegates, local professionals, and children. Creative projects, such as the design of 50 pillowcases by paediatric sleep patients across two children’s hospitals. 84% of surveyed participants reported a positive impact from the events.
Dr Lorraine Work’s award-winning ‘Brain Health Day’ initiative, held in conjunction with the Glasgow BRAIN conference, stood out as a case study for how conferences can embed public engagement into their legacy planning.
Other impactful events have included:
A public lecture on the benefits of lifelong physical activity, delivered during the European Congress on Sports Science. A ‘Meet the Expert’ session at the Glasgow Science Centre, held as part of the International Congress of Infant Studies, which featured interactive activities for children and parents. The Save the Tooth campaign, hosted at Glasgow Central Station by Dental Trauma UK, Glasgow Warriors, and the University of Glasgow Dental School, engaged over 350 commuters with practical tips for dental emergencies.
Aileen Crawford, head of tourism and conventions at the Glasgow Convention Bureau, said: “Taking the subject matter of conferences outside the walls of the convention centre and into the community is hugely important to our association clients. The Glasgow Conference Impact Network has brought Team Glasgow together to maximise the positive, long-term impacts of conferences hosted in our city. We’re proud of the legacy we’re building and look forward to continuing this work in 2025.”
Now, as it approaches its second year, GCIN invites event organisers to collaborate and create conferences with purpose, ensuring meaningful outcomes for communities, delegates, and industries alike. Learn more and Watch the wrap-up video on how Glasgow’s conferences created lasting legacies in 2024.
