EXPERIENCEit promises to be a jam-packed two days, full of ideas, inspiration and connection. Check out our speakers & agenda below!
On day one, join us for a future-focused panel and roundtable workshop with industry leaders from the biggest event associations, including SITE, ABPCO and more. This is your chance to think big, take charge, and play a key role in shaping what’s next.
We’ll explore the forces transforming events, from emerging technologies and key skill sets to sustainability and inclusivity. Guided by Kim Myhre, Managing Partner at Experience Designed and Jordan Waid, Creative, Strategy & Innovation Leader, we’ll capture your insights and ideas for a special EXPERIENCEit report: Event Industry Leaders Imagine the Future.
Afterwards, join us for a lively drinks reception and the opportunity to meet with independent Scottish suppliers in gifting, food & drink and more.
Day two promises a jam-packed day of content, connections & community. Hear from inspiring speakers who have worked with the likes of CES, Cannes Lions, SXSW, the European Sponsorship Association, London’s West End, Invisible Cities, the team behind the IBTM World Event Trends Report and much more.
Meet with suppliers – some who have never exhibited in Scotland before! We’re bringing some exceptional exhibitors right to your doorstep, such as Silverstone, Red Bull Racing, EventMobi and so many more.
The day will be compered by Sam McNeill from SongDivision, who is known for his energetic style & extraordinary musical skills. We will also have Sarah Hunt, Wellness Expert who will be providing energizers throughout the day to get you motivated, and also opportunities to take a moment to relax and reflect on the day’s learnings.
The day will end with the perfect finale to celebrate new collaborations and friendships, expect great music, superb entertainment and lots of fun!
Meet Jordan Waid and Kim Myhre, your facilitators for day 1’s roundtable workshop. They will guide you throughout the session to delve deeper into the future of the events industry.
Jordan Waid
Jordan is a creative agency veteran, Academy Award-winning film-maker, a PRECOG Futurist that runs his own Executive Leadership and Business Transformation future focused consultancy.
His overall passion lies in helping people and businesses create, roadmap and deliver their own future. He does this through creative and strategic thinking workshops.
Kim Myhre
An intersectional design thinker, thought leader, innovation activist and brand storyteller with a unique combination of strategic, creative, commercial and international experience, Kim has a strong background in strategy and planning, creative and talent management.
An action-oriented executive with a track record of winning new business, creating results for clients and driving agency growth.
Meet your day 2 speakers who will be delivering inspirational 10-minute sessions on topics such as world event trends, deepening your audience connection, boosting your creative flair, and harnessing sponsorships.
You will also get the opportunity to meet the speaker after their session to have a chat and ask any questions on their session.
World Event Trends in 10 Mins!
The World Event Trends Report is the most comprehensive trends report in the global meeting and events industry, which presents its findings and predictions in four continents.
With a wealth of knowledge on all things events, event technology & the importance of in-person experiences, Stuart Mitchell from CatchTheMICE will weigh in on the report, and provide his insights on the upcoming trends.
Deepen Your Audience Connection!
Introducing Catherine Warrilow, Founder of The Plot and a brand strategist with a Midas touch. Catherine is sought after by venues, experiences, and event businesses that struggle to connect meaningfully with their audiences. With her talent for simplifying branding and her gift for words, we’re excited to hear what she has to share!
Boost Your Creative Flair!
Meet Lucy Ducker, Associate Creative Director at Seen Presents and expert in tech, 2D and 3D design. Lucy’s remarkable track record of campaign collaborations with globally renowned brands at events like Cannes Lions, CES, and SXSW means she’s one to watch! We can’t wait to hear from her.
Creating Experiences For The Unknown Audience Demographic
Lucy Nicholls is the proud Founder and CEO of The PS Events Group. Recently branded ‘the industry’s best kept secret’. The PS Events Group create fabulous global events from elite private parties to brand campaigns & activations, gala award ceremonies & dinners, to sporting events and everything in between and on many occasions consult and deliver on behalf of other agencies and production companies.
Harnessing Sponsorship and Brand Partnerships!
We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew Leopold, a marketing guru, world-class speaker, and European Sponsorship Association Board Advisor. Matthew will delve into the fundamentals of sponsorship, the importance of partnering with the right sponsors for events and why it’s crucial for success. Cue notepad and pen!
Sam McNeill
On day two, we’ll be joined by Sam McNeill, one of the world’s most in-demand corporate MCs and facilitators. Voted a Top Five Speaker in Spice Magazine’s Hot 100, and named one of Eventex’s 100 Most Influential People, Sam will bring his signature energy and charisma to EXPERIENCEit. As SongDivision’s UK & Europe General Manager, he’s a master at creating connections through music.
As your host for the day, Sam will lead lively sessions and keep the vibes high from start to finish. Who knows, you might even take home your very own theme song. How’s that for a souvenir?
Sarah Hunt
Sarah is a corporate wellness expert with 15 years’ experience delivering
keynote talks, teaching yoga and running wellness programmes. Her signature
wellbeing series is dedicated to elevating the conference experience, ensuring
that delegates remain inspired, rejuvenated and focused throughout the event.
Sarah is also the founder of the renowned Disco Yoga® brand which has been
featured in Women’s Health Magazine, Glamour, the Evening Standard and
Grazia. This provides a fun and exhilarating experience for corporate events,
festivals and private functions.
Sarah Jane Anderson
Little’s Chauffeur Drive & President Elect SITE Scotland
Sarah Jane is an award winning industry peer who has been working within the Hospitality and Tourism industry for the last 29 years. She is the Business Development Manager at Little’s Chauffeur Drive and her passion for the industry led to her joining the board at SITE Scotland. She currently holds the position of President Elect for 2022 and looks forward to leading the Scottish chapter into its 20th anniversary year with a huge focus on Sustainability and ensuring that Scotland becomes a world leader in this area. She looks forward to opening up the discussion to all attendees at the session on the day.
Panel Discussion
How Do We Make Sustainability A Necessary Luxury Element Within Scottish Incentives?
Kim Myhre
Experience Designed
An intersectional design thinker, thought leader, innovation activist and brand storyteller with a unique combination of strategic, creative, commercial and international experience, Kim has a strong background in strategy and planning, creative and talent management. An action-oriented executive with a track record of winning new business, creating results for clients and driving agency growth.
Masterclass
Designing for Future Events
Rob Davidson
MICE Knowledge
Dr Rob Davidson is the Managing Director of MICE Knowledge, a London-based consultancy specialising in research, education and training services for the meetings and events industry.
He is regularly invited to speak at international conferences on themes linked to business events, in particular to present the results of his ongoing research into conference industry trends. Rob also teaches as a Visiting Professor in three European universities, where he educates and inspires Events Management and Tourism Management students every year.
Masterclass
Designing Business Events for Generation Z
Chitra Ram
eventcloud
Chitra joined eventcloud as a Business Development Manager, and quickly elevated the way that eventcloud approaches sales. Her solutions-focused approach, and focus on strong client relationships has delivered incredible results. She has extensive event experience in the non-profit (Wateraid, UNICEF), global sports (London Olympic Games) and corporate sectors (VW, Forrester Events), and holds dual event-focused degrees; a BA Honours Creative Events Design and Production from the University of Kent and an MSc International Events Management from the University of Surrey.
Masterclass
WTH – What The Hybrid
Aaron McKeen
EICC Association Researcher
Aaron is the EICC’s association research expert and leads on the conference centre’s ESG activities. A qualified project manager, Aaron has headed up ambassador programmes, carbon mitigation efforts, public outreach events, and more.
In his spare time, Aaron is a keen outdoorsman and amateur mycologist. He also loves swimming in the frigid Forth estuary by his home in South Queensferry!
Masterclass
Sustainable Meetings. Step Change by the EICC
Fiona Pengelly
Cameron House & Board Member SITE Scotland
A passionate hospitality professional, with over 20 years’ experience in the corporate and incentive industries, Fiona prides herself on providing tailor made, high quality, never to be forgotten experiences for clients which showcase Scotland as the place to come and visit. As an active member of SITE Scotland, Fiona enjoys networking, meeting new people and demonstrating her passion for the industry and Scotland’s outstanding beauty.
Fiona holds the position of Sales Manager for Scotland at Cameron House and is excited about contributing towards securing a successful future for the hotel. She looks forward to welcoming guests and allowing them to experience a memorable stay, along with the opportunity to take part in incredible activities both on land and water.
Panel Discussion
How Do We Make Sustainability A Necessary Luxury Element Within Scottish Incentives?
Lindsey Whitehouse
MD Integrity Corporate Events Ltd.
With a background that started in large UK conference hotels, Lindsey entered agency event management over 30 years ago working on pharma accounts worldwide. Edinburgh then lured her north, and after three full-tilt years opening EICC as Operations Director, she founded Integrity in 1998. Beginning its life very much with pharma, the business has extended its client base to include tech, finance and associations, managing international events up to 2000 delegates, and more recently large virtual and hybrid events.
Panel Discussion
What Does the Road Ahead Look Like for Healthcare Events?
Jenny Elliot
Fitwise Management Ltd.
Fitwise is an award-winning employee-owned Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) and association management company, based just outside Edinburgh.
Jenny has worked in the event sector for nearly 15 years and for much of this time has specialised in healthcare conferences, exhibitions and events.
Panel Discussion
What Does the Road Ahead Look Like for Healthcare Events?
Caroline McKenzie
Open Audience
Caroline has worked in the medical and healthcare meetings sector for almost 30 years. She has developed an in depth understanding of healthcare events gained from 12 years spent within the medical communication industry, managing meetings and congress participation for several top 5 global pharmaceutical companies, and 17 years as a PCO and Association consultant, providing meetings management and compliance guidance to; national and international medical associations, venues and CVBs. She has a keen interest in the medical meetings sector and the impact that Healthcare Compliance is having, and will continue to have, as part of the evolution of medical congresses and meetings.
Caroline is Founder / Director of consulting company Global Association Partners and also holds the role of Operations Director for Open Audience, audience engagement experts who also provide full service event delivery to corporate healthcare and medical association sectors.
Panel Discussion
What Does the Road Ahead Look Like for Healthcare Events?
Susan Spibey
Institute of Event Management
“My work is about guiding organisations to make a difference creatively and commercially both through internal and external communication activities”: events for business.
Susan has spent more than 30 years creating and delivering event strategies for business development with clients across a range of organisations and professions globally. As the UK is hosting in 2021 COP-26, the UN Conference on Climate Change, Susan is now working with event professionals to further develop ISO20121 and also with the IEM to respond to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in preparation for the Conference.
Masterclass
How Do We Create a Sustainable Event Sector?
Graeme Dowie
SITE Scotland
As General Manager, Scotland for Spectra DMC Graeme’s passion is introducing clients (new and old!) to the unique experiences that his homeland has to offer. Having worked for a small DMC in Ireland for 14 years he’s used to a hands-on approach from researching new products & creating proposals right through to programme delivery. Since returning home in 2010, the excitement of discovering new properties, venues, attractions and experiences around Scotland continues to rub off on clients and colleagues alike. An active SITE member, including serving as Chapter President, he’s completed his CIS & his CITP certification is next.
Panel Discussion
How Do We Make Sustainability A Necessary Luxury Element Within Scottish Incentives?
Robert Dunsmore
Independent Creative Director
Freelance creative director concept and content creator – storytelling strategist delivering limitless experiences defined and shaped by culture first – everything else is just infrastructure. Message me for rapid response ideas.
Event stories that touch your audience, and stories your audience can touch. Ideas that duet live, and live-online, product and purpose, behaviour and belonging adding “one new thing” to every event – the only thing anyone will remember. Every event is an experiment, as live returns plan to deliver extreme accessibility, extreme sustainability, and extreme likeability.
Masterclass
Ideas Factory
Mark Upham
Conference Care
Having 4 environmentally aware daughters has made me more conscious of how sustainability impacts on our day to day life. I’m proud to work at Conference Care, a company that has been carbon neutral for over 10 years and this gives me the opportunity to put into practice actionable and practical ideas about how sustainability can have a positive impact on the hospitality industry.
Masterclass
Creating Carbon Offsetting Events
Pauline Beattie
Conference Care
I feel strongly about the whole topic of sustainability and believe the UN SDGs should be embedded in everything we do. I have worked in events and hospitality all my life and I am proud to work in a business (Conference Care Ltd) that has sustainability running through our decision making and operation. The time is now for us all to help to create change and think about our carbon output. Measuring, reducing, and offsetting events will help us to play our part in the journey to lowering carbon emissions.
Masterclass
Creating Carbon Offsetting Events
Steve Hill
BIG Partnership
As Creative Director at BIG, Steve works with the design and digital teams across its four offices to strengthen brand identities and deliver award-winning marketing campaigns. Steve has also run successful brand/product workshops for many clients both in the UK and overseas.
Clients include (but not limited to) Highland Spring, NHS, The Famous Grouse, Kraft-Heinz, Scottish Government and The Macallan.
He still plays 5s (badly) and draws but is rubbish at hands.
Masterclass
What Is an Event Anyway? And How Do You Make Yours Stand Out?
Ian Webb
Eventsforce
Ian is an event technology specialist who has spent the last 15 years managing conferences and developing complex technology solutions for hundreds of events globally. At Eventsforce, he advises clients on how they can use technology to maximise the value of their events – from registration and marketing to engagement and event reporting. He also works closely with them on managing complex data integration projects which allow organisations to manage their event data a lot more effectively.
As a regular speaker on the circuit, Ian is passionate about the potential of technology and its role in changing the way the events industry works.
Masterclass
How Covid-19 is Changing the Role of Event Data – Challenges & New Opportunities
Panel Discussion
Embracing New Technologies for Maximum Benefit
Stuart Mitchell
Catch the MICE
Stuart Mitchell started his career in event hospitality at the Oval Cricket Ground, London and later managed the Greater Manchester Exhibition Centre (GMEX – now Manchester Central) before becoming National Operations Director for Compass Group, the largest contract-caterer in the UK. After publicly clashing swords with Jamie Oliver on national television, he moved into luxury international hotel sales; specialising in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) market. He has represented some of the most prestigious hotels, venues and private islands worldwide. His business Catch the MICE has successfully switched to virtual and hybrid events, providing short and medium terms solutions for event planners. His key objective is to support event professionals as we all adapt to new ways of delivering events in a post-Covid world. Stuart is a keen festival aficionado and is an active member of the fundraising team for EventWell the “Mental Health and Wellbeing Voice of the Event Industry.”
Masterclass
The Importance of Finding the Real Person Behind the Mask
Panel Discussion
What Does Sustainability Mean for Your Event?
Alistair Turner
EIGHTPR
Alistair Turner is Managing Director of EIGHT PR & Marketing, a specialist creative agency servicing the events industry. Alistair has over 20 years of experience in the PR and events industries, working closely with the key trade associations as well as the UK government.
He is the Past President of the International Live Events Association (UK) and a regular speaker on events, experience and their place in the wider marketing mix.
Panel Discussion
What Does Sustainability Mean for Your Event?