How academic institutions form the backbone of Edinburgh's conference success

Edinburgh’s stunning skyline, cobbled streets, and world-renowned festivals have long drawn visitors from around the world.

But the city is far more than a cultural hub – it’s also a leader in business events, consistently ranking among the UK’s top conference destinations.

For years, Edinburgh has stood second only to London in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)’s global rankings, attracting great thinkers, scientists, and innovators – a legacy dating back hundreds of years, earning the city earned the nickname “Athens of the North”.

Now leading the University of Edinburgh’s commercial and residential services, Carina Svensen sees first-hand how academic institutions form the backbone of this success.

“As someone who has worked across the global hospitality sector, I’ve seen how conferences can transform a city’s economy and global reputation,” she says. “Universities don’t just host events – they help drive them, with academics spearheading conference bids, presenting groundbreaking research, and bringing international peers together.”

Edinburgh’s academic venues are a major part of this story – and their role is growing, says Svensen.

“Far from the outdated perceptions of university spaces, today’s purpose-built academic venues combine historic prestige with modern facilities tailored for world-class conferences,” she says. “At the University of Edinburgh alone, we operate dedicated conference hubs, hotels, and meeting spaces designed to support academic and association activity at every scale.”

Carina Svensen

While large-scale conferences make headlines, the bread and butter of the sector is association meetings for 100 - 350 delegates. These events are where academics challenge ideas, share research breakthroughs, and spark collaborations.

“In 2024 alone, we hosted dozens of such conferences across disciplines, from medicine to humanities, reinforcing Edinburgh’s status as a global knowledge hub.

“Hosting conferences on home turf gives our academics a unique advantage. It’s more than convenience – it’s a chance to showcase their work on a global stage, accelerating careers and research impact.”

Svensen points to the 2012 Parkinson’s Disease Conference, where an attendee’s observation led to breakthroughs in diagnosis through smell. Or the 2022 Total Body PET Conference, where Edinburgh researchers showcased groundbreaking imaging technology. The event proved pivotal in securing Scotland’s first PET scanner – a milestone that’s since elevated patient care and helped cement the country’s reputation as a leader in medical innovation.

“These are just a few examples among many, with such moments not only advancing science, but strengthening Edinburgh’s appeal as a place where ideas become reality.”

Edinburgh’s academic and cultural pedigree, coupled with a walkable layout, global air links, and year-round tourism model, makes it an easy choice for organisers. VisitScotland's Business Events Association Report highlights that international conference delegates spend £450 per day in Scotland – over double the daily spend of leisure visitors from high-value markets like the US (£180 per day).

“We also recognise that business events of all sizes – from intimate specialist symposia to major international congresses – help to build bridges between academia, industry, and communities”, says Svensen. “Academic venues play a central role in this, offering spaces that are purpose-built for knowledge exchange, discovery, and collaboration.”

The University of Edinburgh is helping to shape this future by supporting researchers to bid for and host conferences.

“Through mentoring, logistical guidance, and purpose-designed facilities, we empower academics to bring their peers to Scotland and share their breakthroughs with a global audience,” she says.

“By combining our academic legacy, cultural pull, and outstanding venue offering with strategic collaboration across the sector, The University of Edinburgh has solidified Edinburgh’s place as a top UK conference destination – and one of the world’s leading hubs for knowledge-led events.”