Industry Research

Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date.  The strategy refresh has been shaped by the Scottish Government, our Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process.

Scotland first developed a national strategic approach to events in 2008.  Since then, Scotland has:

• successfully established a global reputation for excellence in events delivery
• supported a strong and dynamic events industry
• produced a world-class portfolio of business, sport, and cultural events that contribute significant economic, social, and cultural benefits to Scotland.

The refreshed 2024 to 2035 strategy aims to provide a strategic focus for all those involved in planning, securing, supporting, and delivering events of all sizes in Scotland. It will help build on our status as a world-leading events destination.

The Economic Impact of Exhibitions in the United Kingdom 2023 was published in June 2024 by EIA. The 2023 economic impact study shows the events industry is just shy pre-pandemic levels of economic impact.

Marija Erzen, co-owner, Solutions2, ESSA chair and current EIA chair, commented,

“The report provides vitally important market insight for our industry and includes cumulative comparative data from 2015.”

Results from survey, conducted in February 2024, reflect the response of 117 professionals representing organisations within the business meetings and events sector, with 74 (63%) representing an event venue and 37% an event supplier.

The findings present a positive financial outlook across the sector, with increased forecasts providing optimism for future bookings – which in themselves are on the rise.

Despite this, there are still a variety of matters that we as a sector must keep on the radar. We cannot ignore the vast evolution of events that we are anticipating taking place over the next 12 months.

Just half of venues (50%) are currently prepared for the introduction of Martyn’s Law, while 41% are set to introduce Instant Book this year. These two items alone will bring about significant change to our operations in 2024, so we must ensure we're all equipped to adjust accordingly.

Report, published IN Marhc 2024 that looks at the extensive portfolio of major sports events hosted across the UK in 2023 and explores their impact, whether it be economic, environmental, or sporting.

2023 was an extremely successful year for hosting major sporting events in the UK. The investment of ¬£10.8 million from UK Sport and Government supported 16 major sporting events, generating ¬£373 million in direct economic impact to the UK ‚Äì a 6:1 direct return on investment. Press release here.