One of Edinburgh's defining characteristics is its reputation as a centre of professional excellence that has produced many of the world's leading scientists, financial gurus and creative geniuses throughout the centuries.

Naturally, Edinburgh has always attracted international meetings and our Edinburgh Ambassador Programme has been the catalyst to grow Edinburgh's share of the international association market.

Over 70% of international conferences are won due to the role played by a key local contact in the field. Their influence in swaying conference destination decisions ensures that Edinburgh receives a considerable portion of the lucrative conference market.

For the last five years Edinburgh has retained its position as the most popular city after London for hosting international association meetings. (Source: ICCA)

How does the Programme work?

The Edinburgh Ambassador Programme is a partnership between the Edinburgh Ambassador and the  Convention Bureau. Ambassadors are able to call upon our professional support and experience in order to prepare and present their bids to attract their association conference to the city.

Once the event is confirmed for Edinburgh,  the Convention Bureau continue to help at every stage of planning and organising the event - from site inspection to booking accommodation, advising on a social programme and providing promotional literature.

Our successes

These conferences showcase Scotland's capital as a modern, dynamic city that's continuing to develop its centres of excellence into new fields of expertise and ground-breaking research.

Thanks to the Edinburgh Ambassador Programme, we’ve attracted over 210 major conferences, generating more than £100 million in economic benefit to Edinburgh city region, since 1996. 

View our Edinburgh Ambassador Programme Leaflet

Read some of our  Edinburgh Ambassador Testimonials