With just two months to go, the country’s flagship events industry conference is shaping up to be an unmissable occasion.
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business and Employment, will join the programme of keynote speakers.
They will join previously announced keynote speaker Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
Phil Batty has a wealth of experience in delivering world-class events. As CEO of Glasgow 2026, he is leading preparations for the reimagined 23rd Commonwealth Games.
He has also played a pivotal role in some of the UK’s most high-profile cultural and sporting events, including Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Hull UK City of Culture 2017.
Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business and Employment, will deliver the conference’s welcome address.
As a long-standing member of the Scottish Parliament, he has held senior roles within the Scottish Government, including Minister for Business, since 2024. This portfolio includes responsibility for tourism and major events.
Scotland’s National Events Conference 2026 will take place on Monday 9 March at the Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow. It will bring together leaders from across the sporting and cultural events sector under the theme "delivering positive change".
The conference will explore how events can act as a powerful force for good by driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and inspiring cultural and social benefits across Scotland.
The conference is organised by VisitScotland and aligns with the ambitions of Scotland’s National Events Strategy: Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035. It provides a vital platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
I’m delighted to have both the Minister and Phil join the line-up of keynote speakers for Scotland’s National Events Conference 2026.
Exploring the theme delivering positive change, the conference provides a vital platform for our industry to collaborate, share insights, and explore how events can drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and create cultural and social benefits.
It reflects the ambitions of Scotland’s National Events Strategy and VisitScotland’s commitment to growing the visitor economy and leaving a lasting legacy.
With tickets selling well, I encourage delegates to secure their place early to avoid missing out on what promises to be an unmissable event.
I’m thrilled to join everyone at Scotland’s National Events Conference 2026.
Major events have the power to bring people together, create lasting impact, and inspire communities, which is at the heart of Glasgow 2026.
With the momentum quickly building towards the return of the Commonwealth Games to Scotland this summer, the conference is an opportunity to share how the Games will drive social impact, platform world-class sport, and energise Scotland.
Speaking on Commonwealth Day makes the occasion even more meaningful, as 74 nations and territories look forward to uniting in Scotland this year.
At the event we will discuss how we can ensure these global moments deliver lasting impact that goes far beyond the final medal of the Games.