Meet You. Smart. Thing. in Glasgow on 1 and 2 December
On 1 and 2 December, the major events industry comes together in Glasgow for Host City 2026. Under this year’s theme, “The Events World of the Future”, host cities, event owners and organisers, governing bodies, venues, and technology innovators will meet to share insight, build partnerships, and explore how events are adapting to economic, technological, and political change.
We’re proud to be a partner of Host City 2026, with our CEO, Chris Thompson, taking part in two sessions on the first day.
Shortlisted for the Legacy Impact Award
We’re also delighted that “Big Nights, Lasting Change: How Coventry Turned Its 2026 Events into a City-Wide Travel Legacy”, our entry with Coventry City Council, has been shortlisted for the Legacy Impact Award. Winners will be announced at the Host City Awards Ceremony on 1 December, and we look forward to celebrating with all the finalists.
Panel: The Financial Architecture of Modern Events
Our CEO, Chris Thompson, will moderate a panel on how major events are funded, and the financial realities of delivering them. The discussion will explore how procurement, supplier partnerships, and commercial sponsorship contribute to viable event models, and how event owners, delivery organisations, and host destinations can balance costs, revenue, and long-term value.
Panel: The Financial Architecture of Modern Events
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 12:10 – 12:45
Place: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Speakers: Bev Ward, CEO, UK Events Ltd (UKEL); David McCrae, Vice President & Managing Director, TMS; Trivandi (speaker to be confirmed). Moderated by our CEO, Chris Thompson.
Masterclass: The Future of Event Delivery: Ideas Shaping the Next Decade
In the afternoon, our CEO, Chris Thompson, will join a series of lightning talks from global practitioners and innovators, followed by an interactive discussion with the room.
Workshop: The Future of Event Delivery: Ideas Shaping the Next Decade
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 16:25 – 17:45
Place: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Speakers: Our CEO, Chris Thompson; Jaspal Singh, Senior Director, Membership & Global Operations, International Association of Public Transport (UITP); Wendy Meadley, CEO, Expo 2031; Davi Kaur, CEO, European Society for Emergency Medicine
Plan your trip
Host City 2026 takes place at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Argyle Street, in the centre of Glasgow and a short walk from Glasgow Central station. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or plane, it’s easy to reach on foot or by public transport from across the city.
