EICC posts record levels of events and delegates

Europe
EICC posts record levels of events and delegates

The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) hosted the highest levels of events and delegates in its 21-year history during 2016. The numbers also translated into record turnover moving the venue into profitability for the first time since the £35m expansion of the EICC was completed in 2013.

The venue also achieved its greatest economic impact over a 12-month period at £51.6m (2015: £45.8m).

Delegate numbers totalled 91,000 in 2016 against 71,000 in 2015, with the number of events rose to 200 from 145 in 2015 on the back of increased international association business and a greater diversity of events taking place at the EICC.

As well as the August Edinburgh Festivals, highlights in 2016 included the EICC, in May, becoming the first Scottish organisation and one of the first in Europe to achieve international Quality and Environmental Standards.

The venue also became only the second building in Edinburgh to achieve an Autism Friendly Award ahead of hosting the 11th Autism-Europe International Congress in September 2016.

On the back of a spate of awards for its commitment to sustainability, environmental standards and the accessibility of at the venue – highlighted in September when the EICC hosted the Rehabilitation International World Congress for the first time – CEO Marshall Dallas (pictured) and team have set their sights on becoming one of the most socially responsible conference centres worldwide.

“While the team and I are satisfied with the numbers we have produced for 2016, including moving the business into profitability, perhaps our greatest achievement is our increasing reputation as one of the most accessible and environmentally sound conference centres worldwide, a growing reputation that has helped secure a significant upswing in international association and corporate business,” said Dallas.

“In 2017, we will continue to invest in our people and technology to keep us ahead of the curve,” the CEO added.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, Economy Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The successes of the EICC last year demonstrate the continuing significant financial benefit that the centre brings to the capital. The Council’s sale of the Atria office development has helped financially with their expansion plans so congratulations to Marshall Dallas and his team for their hard work in attracting even more businesses and organisations from across the globe to this fantastic venue.”

Managing Editor, Conference News & Conference & Meetings World. Write Paul an E-mail

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