‘Team Aberdeen’ formed to bring big events to city

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 20/02/2013 16:28

A NEW partnership has been forged in a bid to attract more key exhibitions and conferences and other major events to the North east of Scotland.

• City Council, Airport, and AECC all involved in new ‘Team Aberdeen’ partnership

• AECC director says move brings Aberdeen in line with other major cities

The partnership - ‘Team Aberdeen’ - has been formed by Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen International Airport, ACSEF, the area’s economic forum and VisitAberdeen to build on the success the area already enjoys in attracting major energy related events to the city.

The conference and large events market is continuing to grow in Aberdeen and AECC has already risen up two industry ranking tables by increasing the number of international conferences hosted in the area.

Brian Horsburgh, managing director of AECC said: “There are quite a number of cities that have large event bid teams and this is really kind of what we are trying to do here.

“’Team Aberdeen’ formalises the concept by which Aberdeen has been generating business over the years. We instigated this move in order to reinforce this message to existing and prospective clients to celebrate the unique aspect enjoyed by industry in the North east, in which businesses work together or the benefit of the region.”

He continued: “As a centre we already do over 30 energy related events a year and it’s a huge part of what we do. But we already do events in a whole range of other fields, including medical, biosciences and other technology areas.

“This new partnership helps Aberdeen to be more competitive in the UK and international markets by working in unison to help continue securing large national and international events to take place in Aberdeen City and Shire, and ensuring support at senior level when bidding for events.”

Mr Horsburgh added: “We are also in discussions with the two universities and we are hoping that we can bring them on board in some way. They have lot to contribute and we certainly hope they will part of this process going forward.”