©Glasgow LifeGlasgow has reinforced its position as a leader in purpose-driven conferences with the Glasgow Conference Impact Network (GCIN) marking a successful first year.
Launched in partnership with the Glasgow Science Festival in March 2024, the initiative has created new collaboration among local stakeholders to ensure conferences leave a lasting legacy.
Over the past year, GCIN delivered seven impactful projects – a 40% increase from 2023 – engaging over 1,000 participants, from parents and carers to professionals and children.
Among the standout initiatives was Dr Lorraine Work’s award-winning “Brain Health Day”, part of the Glasgow BRAIN conference, which highlighted how public engagement can be embedded into legacy planning.
Other events included a public lecture on physical activity at the European Congress on Sports Science, a “Meet the Expert” session at the International Congress of Infant Studies, and the Save the Tooth campaign at Glasgow Central Station, which provided dental emergency guidance to over 350 commuters.
Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions at the Glasgow Convention Bureau, emphasised the city’s commitment to maximising the positive impact of conferences. “Taking conference themes beyond the venue and into the community is hugely important to our association clients. The Glasgow Conference Impact Network has united Team Glasgow to ensure lasting benefits from events hosted in our city.”
With its first year a success, GCIN looks ahead to expanding its legacy-driven initiatives in 2025, inviting event organisers to collaborate and create conferences with purpose.