Glasgow, Scotland  Event Planning

Key Highlights

Hotels 93
Total Sleeping Rooms 5,608
Average Hotel Room Rate GBP 133
Average Daily Meal Cost GBP 70
Average Weekly Car Rental GBP 202

Glasgow, Scotland Meeting Planning Overview

Of all the cities across the globe that have re-invented themselves for modern-day business, Glasgow did it first, did it best and is still doing it with the most style. Its recent accomplishments speak to this fact: it was the first UK destination to be named a European Capital of Culture by the European Union; Travel + Leisure magazine named Glasgow "the UK's hippest and most happening city"; while Lonely Planet listed Glasgow as one of the top 10 cities to see in the world in 2009, the only UK destination to make the cut. The city has certainly established itself as one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan destinations, now confidently branding itself as "Glasgow: Scotland with Style."

Glasgow's exciting renaissance has been built upon a massive investment in its convention and conferencing industry, led by the magnificent and ever-improving Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC). Located in the heart of Glasgow, the venue is the UK's largest integrated conference exhibition facility, hosting events of 10, 10,000 and even 25,000 guests. The SECC will soon improve its offering even further, with a £562 million master plan in the works that includes the construction of the 12,500-seat National Arena. Once completed, Glasgow will be the only destination in Europe to have such a purpose-built exhibition center, conference center and arena on one site.

The SECC is not the only development on the horizon in Glasgow. Currently, more than £1 billion is being invested to transform the riverfront into a first-class district for business and leisure, while a number of attractions throughout the city have been or are in the midst of impressive refurbishments. Lucky for incentive groups and conference guests, many of these venues are available for Glasgow events and receptions.

Following a three-year, £30 million renovation, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the top Glasgow attractions and a striking setting for elegant receptions and banquets. Located in the Merchant City area, City Halls, the oldest purpose-built meeting space in the city, recently underwent £15 million in updates. Today, it's a perfect setting for keynote presentations and seminars of 15 to over 900 people. For a truly unique Glasgow venue, look no further than The Arches, which, following an extensive remodel in the early 90s has become one of Europe's leading art and music venues. With room for up to 2,000 people, flexible spaces and a creative team, The Arches can host everything from a disco-themed post-conference celebration to a traditional Scottish banquet.

No matter where the conference events take them, guests can rest assured that they'll have no trouble navigating the streets of Glasgow. In fact, Glasgow taxi drivers are known for being some of the friendliest in the world, offering quick, reliable service and advice on local attractions. Transportation to Glasgow is just as easy, as the city has two rail stations connecting to London, Manchester and Birmingham in fewer than five hours. Glasgow also has two international airports, with the closest – Glasgow Airport – offering flights to more than 100 destinations.

Home to the largest economy in Scotland, Glasgow has seen a rapid growth in the financial and business industries. In fact, the city's International Financial District, known locally as the "Wall Street on the Clyde," plays host to world-class financial institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Two universities, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University, bring additional energy, creativity and vitality to this thriving city.

About Glasgow, Scotland / Additional Info

A former shipbuilding powerhouse, Glasgow experienced a remarkable turn-around in its economy during the late 20th century that has propelled it to new heights on the international stage. Today, the city's metro area is home to 2.3 million people and ranks at the largest city in Scotland and 3rd most populous in the United Kingdom. This new-found vitality has transformed Glasgow into one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, home to a host of world-class cultural attractions, a hip arts and music scene and a dining landscape that rivals the most elite metropolitans in the nation.

To truly experience all Glasgow has to offer, visitors should start by exploring the man who left his mark in every corner of the city, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Born in Glasgow in 1868, Mackintosh is celebrated as one of the leaders in architecture and design of the early 20th century, and Glasgow is home to the most important of his surviving work. The Willow Tea Rooms, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Scotland Street School Museum and the Glasgow School of Art are among his notable works, all of which are open to the public. Guests can enjoy these attractions individually, or opt for the Mackintosh Trail Ticket, a one-day passport to his most notable works via unlimited travel on the city's subway and buses.

Along with its stunning architecture, Glasgow is well known for its vast collection of art that's arguably one of the best in Europe. Among the more than 20 free museums and galleries in the city, guests can find masterpieces by Degas, Rodin, Dalí and more. The Burrell Collection is home to over 9,000 pieces, ranging from medieval art to English oak furniture to European paintings by Cezanne. Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art is the 2nd most visited contemporary art venue outside of London, captivating guests with its exhibits on Andy Warhol, John Bellany and David Hockney.

While exploring the city, visitors should also take advantage of Glasgow's wealth of retail options. A shopper's paradise, Glasgow was voted the top retail destination in the UK after London's West End by the Experian Retail Ranking in 2004. Explore upscale and trendy stores such as House of Fraser and Vivienne Westwood at the "Style Mile," which circles around Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Princes Square. Guests can also find one-of-a-kind works of art on West Regent Street, or go antiquing in the West End.

No trip to Glasgow is complete with sampling from its vast culinary scene. Quickly becoming a foodie favorite, Glasgow has plenty of restaurants from which to choose. Dare to sample traditional homemade haggis at Rab Ha's or local favorite Scotch pies at the famed Horse Shoe Bar. Or, go for a more modern take on Glasgow gastronomy, which focuses on local produce such as salmon, West Coast lobsters, Aberdeen Angus beef, artisanal cheeses and more. The Ubiquitous Chip, Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery and Rogano are among the best restaurants to enjoy the best of modern Glasgow's culinary creations.

 
See a problem with this listing? Report an Issue