Scotland's Trade Fair Spring & Speciality Food Show 2024
2024-01-21 09:00 - 2024-01-23 17:00 (Europe/London) | SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, United Kingdom
Held at the SEC is Scotland’s biggest trade fair!
Taking place from 21 – 23 January 2024, companies exhibit thousands of products to trade buyers from the likes of department stores, online outlets, tourist attractions, farm shops, delis and independent retail stores.
Those exhibiting are gift and food wholesale suppliers from Scotland and other areas of the UK showing a range of products from greetings cards to home interiors to coffee to chocolate.
Featuring the STA Spotlight Sessions from Midday-1pm on the 22nd and 23rd.

Explore Islay and Jura Destination Conference
2024-02-05 10:00 - 17:00 | Kilchoman Distillery
More information TBC.

ETAG Conference 2024
2024-02-06 12:00 - 17:00 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Join us and industry colleagues at the ETAG Conference 2024 – the “must attend” event for everyone with an interest in Edinburgh’s visitor economy.
As always, we will kick off with a networking lunch between 12:00 – 13:00, followed by a great line up of speakers providing their insights and expertise, plus opportunities to network with colleagues and make new contacts.
This year’s Conference Programme will include updates on Edinburgh’s visitor economy activity and developments and highlight the latest tourism trends and insights.
The much loved ‘Spotlight Sessions’ are still a firm fixture on the programme, where you’ll hear about some of the exciting projects coming to the city over the coming year or so. Watch this space!

ETAG 2024 will be delivered with the generous support of, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, VisitScotland, Lothian, and Blendology.
Full conference programme coming soon.

Scotland's Industry Leadership Groups Symposium
2024-02-07 09:00 - 16:00 | EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison St,, Edinburgh EH3 8EE, EH3 8EE, United Kingdom
Scotland’s first Industry Leadership (ILG) Symposium will take place on Wednesday, 7 February 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from 09:00 to 16:00.
The day will include a combination of presentations and videos that will provide the audience with insights into the priorities and focus for Scotland’s 15 key business sectors.
Attending on the day gives all delegates an excellent opportunity to be involved in a ‘strategic think tank’ for industry and to network with leaders of business across a variety of sectors and many who work in the government portfolios that support the sectors. The core purpose of the symposium is;
Enhancing knowledge: exchange information with fellow ILG sectors
Showcase best practice/innovative thinking: sharing knowledge across sectors
Collaborative working: create a network across the ILG sectors
Identify clear actions: what can the industry do for itself and working collectively, towards maximising and unlocking potential.
The programme for the day is still being finalised and details soon in the coming weeks.
Thanks to the very generous support of the EICC and others we are pleased to say that delegate ticket prices have been kept exceptionally low.
If you or your business is interested in being an event sponsor or taking a table top exhibitor stand then please in the first instance register your interest by emailing Marc Crothall at Marc.crothall@stalliance.co.uk

Supporting the H&I Tourism & Hospitality industry
2024-02-07 10:00 - 14:30 | Inverness
This event is delivered in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and it is aimed at businesses and organisations operating within the Highland and Islands tourism and hospitality sector.
Hear real stories from your peers, on staff retention, attraction and innovation, through a mix of case studies, panel discussion and workshops we will touch on topics that will help your business to stay competitive in a challenging landscape.
Speakers
Welcome from the National Trust for Scotland from Gail Cleaver, Operations Manager, Culloden Cluster.
Panel Session: Talent attraction and retention in the H&I tourism sector
-Fiona Larg, Chair Prosper H&I committee and Non Exec Director Highland Tourism
-Frazer Coupland, CEO Lochaber Chamber and Outdoor Capital of the UK
-Guy Lindsay Crawford, CEO of Highland Coast Hotels
-George McNeil, Chair of Spirit of Speyside & Director of Retail at Johnstons of Elgin
Workshops
-Sustainable Finance with the Royal Bank of Scotland: In this 30-minute session, we will talk about environmental impact and how businesses can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and work on risk mitigation and contingency plans.
-Team Development and Management with University of Highlands & Islands (UHI): Why do some teams succeed whilst others fail? This workshop will explore the theory of team development and give you practical tips which will help you to think about maximising the potential of teams in your workplace.
-Fair Work with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE): This session will provide an overview of the benefits of adopting Fair Work practises in tourism including case study examples and will give an overview of HIE’s approach to Fair Work conditionality, support guides, upcoming free workshops and one-to-one support.
Case Studies
-Danny Docherty, People & Safety Officer, The Sonas Hotel Collection
-Neil Hampton, General Manager, Royal Dornoch Golf Club
-Victoria Erasmus, Director, Uile-bheist Distillery

HIT Scotland Talent Conference
2024-02-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Voco Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow
The HIT Scotland Talent Conference will take place at the voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 8th February 2024.
The 2024 programme will bring you more inspirational and thought-provoking speakers, which will challenge you and your teams to think differently about your roles and your business and how as an industry we can grow and inspire a skilled workforce.
We have created a programme that will inspire, challenge and inform. We are expecting over 500 attendees from across the hospitality and tourism sector in Scotland so as always the event will provide a brilliant platform for networking, connecting and meeting with other like-minded professionals in our industry.
The 2024 HIT Scotland scholars will also be announced at this event.
Registration: 8.30am
Dress-code: Business

ZAG Conference
2024-02-08 16:00 - 19:00 | Union House, Edinburgh
ZAG is for those who don’t zig. This year’s theme is all about generosity. Is it on the wane? Are social media and unethical politics eroding our values? Have we lost our way a little after COVID-19 or has our faith in humanity never been stronger? ZAG is brought to you by The Union.

Fife Tourism Conference 2023
2024-02-27 | Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy
More details to be announced soon!

Fife Tourism Conference 2024 - Developing New Markets
2024-02-27 09:00 - 15:30 | Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy
The Fife Tourism Conference is back for 2024 with the theme of “Developing New Markets”. Gain insights from experienced speakers and leaders shaping the future of tourism in Scotland. Explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in our dynamic industry!
Key events and highlights:
🚀 Innovation and future trends: Find out where the Scottish tourism industry is going next.
🤖 Digital Advances: Learn about how AI is shaping the future of the tourism industry and how you can get on board.
💻Online Travel Agents: Discover how you can work together with Online Travel Agents to promote your business
🚐 Travel trade: Find out how you and your business can get involved in this lucrative market.
🌍 Sustainability: Hear from other pioneering destinations and local businesses on how you can contribute to making Fife a more sustainable tourism destination.
⛳Golf: Hear about sustainability in the golf industry in Fife.
🌱 Community tourism: Explore how communities are getting involved with tourism and making their own mark.
🤝Network: Meet other Fife tourism businesses, forge connections with industry leaders, potential partners, and fellow enthusiasts. Networking sessions are designed to facilitate meaningful interactions and collaborations.
Ticket prices include morning pastries and buffet lunch.
Sponsored by VisitScotland.

Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception
2024-02-28 | Scottish Parliament, EH99 1SP, United Kingdom
The Scottish Tourism Alliance Parliamentary Reception will be held on 28th February, 2024.
This event will be sponsored by Caravan and Motorhome Club.
More details to follow.

Patrons & Business Leaders Lunch (Invite only)
2024-02-28 12:00 - 14:30 | Signet Library Edinburgh
Please note this event is by invite only.

SCOTO Conference 2024
2024-02-29 | Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

SCOTO Annual Community Tourism Gathering
2024-02-29 09:00 - 2024-03-01 16:00 | Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, 132-136 English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Book your place at the SCOTO COMMUNITY TOURISM GATHERING 2024!
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Gathering in Kingussie, we look forward to welcoming you to our next national gathering on Thursday 29 February, at the Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club and on Friday 1 March, for learning exchanges in and around Dumfries. Get ready for two days filled with inspiration, networking, and learning opportunities, all focused on ‘pressing pause’ and recalibrating tourism in Scotland to deliver for our communities and environment first.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Whether you’re a community tourism activist or simply interested in knowing more about community led tourism in Scotland, this gathering is perfect for you. Connect with like-minded individuals from across Scotland, share ideas, and discover new ways to develop and promote responsible tourism, which brings real benefits back into the host community.
OUR THEME FOR 2024?
SCOTO has set its ambition to ‘recalibrate tourism in Scotland to deliver for our communities and the environment first’. This year’s gathering will focus on our current Press Pause activity and explore learnings from across the country, particularly in the South West, which demonstrate the art of the possible where community interests are prioritised.
WHY ATTEND?
At the SCOTO COMMUNITY TOURISM GATHERING 2024, you’ll have the chance to attend engaging workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, have networking discussions and participate in interactive learning exchanges. Gain valuable insights on the latest trends, strategies, and challenges in the tourism industry and better understand how tourism can be recalibrated to deliver for your community and local environment.
DISCOUNT FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS
We have been able to discount several tickets for individuals who are currently working in community led tourism or within a community organisation interested in how tourism works in their local area. When booking, there is a specific question to answer that will confirm your eligibility.
TRAVEL BURSARIES FOR COMMUNITY LED ENTERPRISES
Dumfries is a long way to travel for some, and this year we are delighted to have secured further funding from the Scottish Community Alliance to support travel and expenses for individuals attending on behalf of a community led enterprise – so trustees, staff and volunteers are eligible for support. These bursaries are specifically to allow people to travel and stay over to participate in the Learning Exchanges on Day 2.

AITC Summit
2024-03-04 09:30 - 15:30 | Drimsynie Holiday Village, Lochgoilhead, Cairndow, PA24 8AD
Join us for the Argyll and Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership Summit 2024, a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the tourism industry in the Argyll and Isles region. This in-person summit will take place at the beautiful Drimsynie Holiday Village, offering a picturesque backdrop for networking and collaboration.
With a focus on driving sustainable tourism growth, the summit will feature engaging discussions, informative sessions, and inspiring keynote speakers. Connect with industry experts, local businesses, and fellow enthusiasts to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for the future.
Speakers include Marc Crothall, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Alison McRae, AISTP Chair & STA Board member, Robert Kidd AITC Chair, Cathy Craig AITC CEO, David Adams McGilp Visit Scotland, Susan Dickie Visit Scotland, Martin Jones UHI Argyll Principal, Joshua Ryan-Saha TravelTech, Jane Wylie-Roberts Staffinders, Sara Cook Get the Gen, Melanie Allen Visit Scotland Tourism Individual of the Year & Chair of Galloway UNESCO Biosphere and Expedia. The Hebridean Baker will also be along for networking and collaboration.
Mark your calendars for this exciting event, starting on Mon Mar 04 2024 at 09:30:00 GMT+0000 (Greenwich Mean Time). Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of shaping the future of tourism in the Argyll and Isles region. With thanks to sponsors Cove UK, Visit Scotland, and BC Technologies.

2024 Pre-season workshop for West Highland Way Businesses - Drymen
2024-03-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Drymen Business Hub, Stirling Road #First Floor, Drymen, G63 0AA
This is an opportunity to come together before the main walking season starts to give you an update from the West Highland Way team, meet others, ask questions, share ideas and discuss your business and outlook for 2024.
We want the West Highland Way to remain Scotland’s premier long distance route, inspiring walkers to experience an iconic trail taking in some of the country’s most stunning scenery. We also recognise its importance to businesses and communities along the 96 miles and want to work together to support the future sustainability of the trail.
Outline agenda
09:00 Refreshments and networking
09:30 Welcome and introduction
09:40 WHW Team update, including:

NEW for 2024 – WHW nature storymap
Update on potential charitable status
Infrastructure and maintenance updates
Passport Points, business listings, newsletter and official merchandise
Hospitality and tourism trends/outlook.

10.10 Green business case studies
10.30 Q&A / open discussion / networking
11:00 Event close

Arran Outlook 2030
2024-03-05 09:30 - 16:00 | Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran

Tourism Conference - VisitArran
2024-03-05 11:00 - 16:00 | Brodick Hall, Isle of Arran
More details to follow soon.

Scottish Hotel Conference
2024-03-06 | Edinburgh
Hosted by CMS and Savills.
More details to follow soon.

2024 Pre-season workshop for West Highland Way Businesses - Crianlarich
2024-03-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Crianlarich Village Hall, Main Street Crianlarich, FK20 8QN

In-Drinks
2024-03-06 10:00 - 2024-03-07 16:00 | SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, United Kingdom
AFTER A SELL-OUT LAUNCH IN MARCH, IN-DRINKS IS BACK AT GLASGOW SEC FOR ANOTHER INCREDIBLE SHOW IN 2024…
In-Drinks trade show will welcome 4,000 trade visitors over 2 days for its 2nd annual show which is now set to be an annual fixture in Glasgow.
Bringing over 100 drinks brands together and a busy conference, In-Drinks is the only independently run Scottish trade show and an “absolute must” for drinks brands of all sizes, seeking to grow their brand awareness in Scotland.

Scottish Tourism Month – The Signature Conference (Two Days)
2024-03-12 - 2024-03-13 | P&J Live, Aberdeen, E Burn Rd, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom

Scotland’s Marine Tourism Conference 2024
2024-03-19 08:00 - 17:00 | The Waterside, West Kilbride
*More details to be confirmed soon

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance Conference 2024
2024-03-20 | Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, The Crichton, Bankend Rd, Dumfries, DG1 4TA, United Kingdom
Engage, Inform, Uplift
The SSDA Conference is the key annual event bringing together all those involved in tourism across the South of Scotland (Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders). It is a unique opportunity to connect, network, learn and collaborate.
Hear from the Experts
The Conference attracts leading voices and expert insights, with a diverse range of speakers and contributors including industry and political leaders. We will start announcing keynote speakers in the coming period. There will be a range of discussion and break-out groups, offering unique insight and discussion around the key issues facing the South of Scotland’s visitor economy in 2024.
Who Should Attend?
The Conference is open to all those engaged in the South of Scotland’s visitor economy, whether you’re an SSDA member or not. Our diverse audience includes: businesses leaders, economic development agencies, community representatives, local and national government representatives, suppliers to the tourism sector, and other sector supporters and representatives.
Expand Your Network
Connect, Collaborate, and Conquer
The SSDA Conference is more than just a platform for learning; it’s a place to expand your professional network; forge connections with industry leaders, government officials, and other businesses; collaborate and feed into the next chapter of the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.

VisitScotland Parliamentary Reception
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Scottish Parliament, EH99 1SP, United Kingdom

National Events Conference
2024-03-26 08:30 - 17:00 | Assembly Rooms, 54 George St, Edinburgh
With more than 180 delegates already confirmed, Scotland’s National Events Conference 2024 has unveiled its wide-ranging agenda, promising a day filled with insightful discussions and valuable perspectives.
Taking place at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Tuesday 26 March, the conference entitled ‘Resetting the Perfect Stage for Events’ will delve into key themes, challenges, and opportunities central to the events industry.
Encompassing community-based activity to Mega events, there will be thought-provoking presentations and panel sessions with key industry leaders who will cover themes including Scotland’s future events ambition and global status, international perspectives, responsible events, community engagement, workforce development, Artificial Intelligence, measuring impacts, and much more.
The afternoon’s breakout sessions will offer attendees the chance to engage deeply with specific topics, exchange experiences and hear a range of views. There will also be plenty of opportunities to network with event industry colleagues and meet exhibitors throughout the day.
The opportunity to register for breakout sessions, as well as details on speakers and panel representatives, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Returning for the first time in over four years, Scotland’s National Events Conference is produced for all those working to create, deliver, and support Scotland’s cultural, sporting and business events. Tickets for the conference are £80+VAT per person and include arrival snacks and refreshments, lunch, and a post-conference networking reception.
The full programme can be viewed here.

Tourism Gathering March 2024
2024-03-28 | Mackays Hotel, WIck
Venture North are looking forward to hosting their fully booked annual Tourism Gathering for Caithness and Sutherland which this year will be held on Thursday 28th March at Mackays Hotel in Wick. Under the theme of Destination Opportunities there will be speakers, networking and workshops throughout the day all focused on the rich opportunities in the far north of Scotland.
For more information on the event contact info@venture-north.co.uk.

VisitScotland Connect
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-18 | P&J Live, Aberdeen, E Burn Rd, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX, United Kingdom
Registration is now open for VisitScotland Connect, the national tourism organisation’s flagship travel trade event.
Held at the P&J Live in Aberdeen on the 17th and 18th April 2024, VisitScotland Connect provides eligible Scottish tourism businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products and services, make connections with domestic and international travel trade and grow their business potential.
The 2023 event attracted overwhelmingly positive feedback, helping 175 tourism businesses connect with over 250 tour operators and international travel trade buyers representing 23 countries. A total of 6,000 meetings took place over the two days.
If you are a trade-ready Scottish business and wish to register to attend, full details can be found here. All applications are subject to approval by VisitScotland.

The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards 2024
2024-07-05 | The GWCT Scottish Game Fair, Scone
The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards return for 2024, following the success of last year’s prestigious event at The Scottish Game Fair, Scone. Country Sport Scotland is thrilled to announce that entries are now open for Year 2 and will be celebrated once again at The Scottish Game Fair on Friday 5th July 2024.
The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards aim to honour outstanding establishments and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Scotland’s Country Sports Tourism Sector. This year, we’re introducing two new categories: Best Sporting Accommodation and Best Sporting Retailer.
Whether you’re eager to showcase your business or nominate a deserving candidate, this is your chance to shine a spotlight on the champions of Scottish Country Sports Tourism. Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity!
Please contact us at victoria.brooks@cstgscotland.com if you have any questions about the awards or an entry you have made, and we will answer your questions or address any problems as soon as possible.

The Game Fair
2024-07-26 - 2024-07-28 | Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PS, United Kingdom
Country Sport Scotland has secured exhibition space at The Game Fair at Blenheim Palace from July 26th to 28th, 2024. A prime opportunity to represent Scotland and showcase Scotland’s finest Country Sports.

ASSC “Talk” (webinar): The Abolition of Furnished Holiday Let Tax Regime: What it Means for the Self-Catering Sector
2024-08-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Online, United Kingdom
The draft legislation for abolishing the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHLs) tax regime has been published 29th July 2024- Join Fiona Campbell of ASSC, John Endacott and Victoria Hutson of PKF Francis Clark to discuss how this could affect your business.
🏡When: Wednesday 14th August at 2pm
🏡How: Book your ticket here and join us virtually by Zoom
🏡Member tickets: Please visit PROMO codes for ASSC members to get your FREE ASSC Member ticket for this event
🏡Non-Member tickets: Non-members are welcome to attend for a small fee
You can read the latest update on the FHL Abolition from the ASSC here.
