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Background

Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) is made up of senior event sector representatives from across a range of organisations and businesses.  Members of the group contribute their time, knowledge and expertise on a voluntary basis to share knowledge, advocate and represent the views of the sector.   

The EIAG provides a vital forum for consultation and discussion, directly informing and shaping Government policy. The Group continues to focus on identifying and addressing key industry challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to secure a sustainable recovery for the sector and safeguard Scotland’s global status as the perfect stage for events.

The EIAG is led by an independent Chair appointed by VisitScotland’s Director of Events.   Non-members may be invited to attend meetings where appropriate, and VisitScotland’s Events Directorate provides the coordination and secretariat for the Group.

Purpose of the EIAG

  • Advocate for the power of the event sector to generate significant positive social, cultural, and economic impacts for Scotland.
  • Represent the industry as a whole, ensuring coordinated and balanced input from across all parts of the event sector.
  • Identify and communicate the views of the sector to Government and its agencies in relation to the key challenges being faced by industry.
  • Support the sector’s transition to Net Zero and the continuing development of a “Responsible Events” approach to event development and delivery.
  • Facilitate the event sector’s engagement and alignment with the National Strategy for Economic Recovery (NSET), plus the wider regional and national policy environment in Scotland.
  • Support the review and update of Scotland’s National Event Strategy (Scotland the Perfect Stage), extending its term to the end of 2035 and including the possible introduction of a Major Events Bill to enhance the delivery of future events.
  • Share information, research and best practice to help the sector recover and develop.

EIAG meeting summary notes

Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) was established by VisitScotland’s Events Directorate in June 2020 in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EIAG had an initial lifespan of 18 months, however in November 2022, the EIAG had its term extended and remit refreshed.

The revised membership will meet twice per annum (minimum) from February 2023. The membership comprises of 15 senior industry professionals from across sport, business, arts and wider cultural events, supply chain businesses, venues, and national/ regional agencies.

To get in touch please contact EIAG@eventscotland.org.

EIAG Membership

Core Members

Peter Duthie - CEO, SEC (Chair, Event Industry Advisory Group)

Susan Deighan - CEO, Glasgow Life

Geoff Ellis - CEO, DF Concerts

Julia Amour - Director, Festivals Edinburgh

Fran Hegyi - CEO, Edinburgh International Festival 

Alan Laidlaw - CEO, Royal Highland Show

Johnnie Cole Hamilton - Executive Director ‑ Championships, R&A

Claire Harkness - Group Head of Stadium Operations, Scottish Rugby

Marshall Dallas - CEO, EICC

Ben Stimpson - Freelance Technical Production Manager

Tom Clements - President / Director, National Outdoor Events Association / Specialized Security

Geoff Crow - Director, 21cc Group Ltd

 

Advisors

Paul Bush - Director of Events, VisitScotland

Brian Lawrie - Chair, Scottish Environmental Health and Trading Standards COVID-19 Expert Officers Group

James Royan - Superintendent, Event Planning, Police Scotland

Denise Hamilton - City Centre Manager, Glasgow City Council

Claire Dow - Principal Events Officer, Dundee City Council

Rachael McKechnie - Deputy Director, Major Events & Themed Years, Scottish Government

Observers

Lucy Carmichael - Head of Major Events, Scottish Government

Robbie Clyde – Head of EventScotland, VisitScotland

Neil Brownlee – Head of Business Events, VisitScotland

Marie Christie – Head of Development – Event Industry, VisitScotland

Administrators

Torquil Macleod, Senior Event Industry Development Manager, VisitScotland

Mark Murray, Event Industry Development Manager, VisitScotland