More than £59million of conferences has been won, bringing new business to the region due to ongoing collaboration between Aberdeen Convention Bureau, P&J Live and partners including the University of Aberdeen.
Together, the team successfully bid for global and domestic business events, often in competition with other UK and European cities. Business events bring professionals together for conferences, trade show and exhibitions, to network, share knowledge and demonstrate latest research.
Through collaboration, an extensive support service is provided from initial enquiry through to post-conference to ensure that conference organisers receive a positive experience from their time in the North-east.
Business events secured include the Global Agritourism Conference 2026, European Nonlinear Oscillations Conference 2027 and British Orthopaedic Association Annual Congress 2030.
Laura Wilson, Head of the Convention Bureau, said: “Our region is a world-class events destination, offering an exceptional experience for event planners and attendees. The formidable combination of academic achievements, two universities, private sector infrastructure and continued investment, puts the region in a strong position with organisers when compared to competitor cities. The delegates’ experience outside of the conference hall is also critical, so we benefit from the wide range of quality visitor experiences available in the North-east.
“With support from our funders at Opportunity North East, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council we are securing new business for a supply chain across the North-east ranging from caterers to transport providers to meetings and social venues.”
Steve Daun, Head of Sales – Associations at P&J Live, managed and operated by ASM Global, said: “P&J Live has worked closely together with Aberdeen Convention Bureau through its ambassador programme to attract Association conferences to Aberdeen. Our work has been instrumental in bringing high profile events to the region, allowing us to showcase the city’s excellent research in areas, such as medicine, to a global audience.
"These conferences are not only bringing economic and social value to the region but also help to elevate Aberdeen’s profile on the international stage. We are delighted to be the chosen venue for these world-class events.”
Nikki Pearce, Commercial and CPD Manager at the University of Aberdeen, said: “The collaboration between Aberdeen Convention Bureau, P&J Live and the University continues to drive success for both the city and the region. This collaborative approach has been recognised by associations, contributing significantly to increased activity.
“By leveraging each team's strengths and working together, we are accomplishing far more than we could individually.”
Aberdeen City Council’s investment in P&J Live has delivered one the UK’s leading event complexes, with the venue benefiting from excellent transport links through the neighbouring Aberdeen International Airport, electric bus links and new road access.
Councillor Miranda Radley, Aberdeen City Council’s Communities, Housing and Public Protection Convener, said: “This is excellent news and confirms Aberdeen’s status, both in the UK and worldwide, as a major business hub attracting the biggest events. The positive impact on the city and region’s economy of P&J Live and the events it hosts cannot be overstated.
“I am sure that the tens of thousands of conference delegates who visited Aberdeen in the last 12 months were impressed not only by our wonderful venue, the largest of its kind in Scotland, but everything else the city has to offer.”
After eight years of bidding for the UK Stroke Forum, the flagship event of the UK Stroke Association, Aberdeen Convention Bureau and P&J Live have been successful in attracting the 20th UK Stroke Forum, which will take place in Aberdeen at P&J Live in November this year.
John Roe, Events Lead, Stroke UK, said: “This year we are bringing 2,000 healthcare professionals to P&J Live. From early conversations with the venue, to now finalising community plans with our working group in Aberdeen, the experience has been fabulous. ‘Team Aberdeen’ is infectious with their enthusiasm and reliable with their organisation and more importantly want to make your event the best it can be.”