If you are looking to host your next meeting or conference in Scotland then Edinburgh is the city of choice. This modern and dynamic city is the enterprise capital of the North, with a wealth of businesses, restaurants and top class leisure facilities Edinburgh is a city you will want to visit time and time again.
Edinburgh combines modern with historical and is officially a world heritage site thanks to its stunning architecture and abundant galleries, museums, theatres and arts venues. It has also been classed as a UNESCO City of Literature thanks to its excellence in research in the fields of medicine, finance, research, science & technology, architecture and the arts. It boasts prestigious Universities, notably St Andrews and has a high calibre workforce.
Getting to Edinburgh is simple. Delegates from across the UK can reach Edinburgh thanks to good quality motorway and road links. There is a major train station in the heart of the city and just 8 miles from the city centre lies Edinburgh Airport, with direct routes to over 100 destinations, including New York’s JFK airport.
Edinburgh boasts a wealth of impressive conference venues, many housed in grand, historic buildings. To help with your search here is our pick of the top conference venues in the city.
Dedicated Conference Venue Edinburgh
Dynamic Earth
This impressive facility is a venue like no other. Upon arrival your delegates are sure to be impressed by the sight that greets them. The structure rises like a giant marquee and sits within the grounds of the Scottish Parliament and The Palace of Holyrood House.
Dynamic Earth is separated into several distinct areas, each offering the host something different.
For weddings, guests are hosted in “The Stratosphere”, which is a large area that can cater for a large number of guests. This area is also popular for fashion shows and exhibitions.
“The Biosphere” is an ideal area for large conferences and can seat up to 300 delegates in a theatre style layout. The area can easily be divided in half if your conference is for a smaller number of delegates. Within this area the host will benefit from an advanced PA system with top quality audio and visual equipment.
For smaller meetings and conferences you could chose to host in “The Salisbury Suite”. This suite provides four dedicated meeting rooms and you have the choice to hire one or more as required.
For pre or post conference entertaining you do not need to venture into Edinburgh city centre (which is less than 1 mile away) – simply escort your guests to Dynamic Earth’s “Earthscape” arena. This area offers a touch of the unusual and where else in the city could you entertain by an iceberg, or mingle with guests in a tropical rainforest environment.
A professional team of event planners are always available at this venue to answer any enquiries you may have. After you have made your reservation a dedicated events manager will be assigned to you and will co-ordinate all your requirements prior to the event ensuring your day is a complete success. All the usual conferencing requirements are provided at this venue, such as projector and screen, flip charts, PA system, refreshments and audio visual equipment.
Please contact this venue directly for further information:
Address:
Dynamic Earth
112 Holyrood Road
Edinburgh
EH8 8AS
Hotel Conference Venue Edinburgh
Barcelo Carlton Hotel Edinburgh
Hotels make the ideal location from which to host a conference, particularily if your delegates require overnight accommodation. Hotels generally offer quality facilities in dedicated rooms and recognising the importance of conferencig, many hotels now have dedicated conference managers who are on hand prior, during and after your event to provide any assistance you require.
One of the best conferencing hotels in Edinburgh city centre is the Barcelo Carlton Hotel. This hotel is located in a grand old building overlooking the famous Royal Mile. Inside the décor is sumptuous and stylish, with large windows, marble floors and elegant furnishings.
The Barcelo Carton Hotel boasts a number of meeting rooms, each different in shape and size and able to cater for varying numbers of guests. The largest room is The Highland Suite, which is a popular venue for University conferences, black tie gala dinners and theatre style private conferences. The smallest room is laid out in a boardroom style and is great for meetings and interviews.
Regardless of your room choice you can be assured that you will be provided with top quality conferencing equipment. Facilities include autocues, projectors, laptops, PA system, audio visual equipment, video cameras, white board and WiFi.
If your delegates require overnight accommodation this hotel offers almost 200 bedrooms, and special overnight rates can be agreed when booking your conference.
To book your conference at the Barcelo Carlton you can contact the hotel directly and speak to the events team. Alternatively, Barcelo now have a dediated section on their website, which allows you to not only book your conference but also manage your budget and select the facilities you require, meaning you only pay for what you need.
Address:
Barcelo Carlton Hotel Edinburgh
North Bridge
Old Town
EH1 1SD
Unusual Conference Venue Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is perhaps one of the most famous landmarks in the city, sitting proudly and dominating the skyline of Edinburgh. It now offers conferencing and meeting facilities which are sure to impress your delegates, providing a memorable and unique conference experience.
Edinburgh Castle has a number of conference rooms which can cater from groups of 10 to up to 100. For large gatherings of up to 500 the Castle can be completely dedicated to your event.
One of the most popular conferencing areas within Edinburgh Castle is located in the Gatehouse Suite. It provides a stylish area for small corporate events and pre and post meeting, delegates can enjoy the stunning terrace which outlooks the Royal Mile and the city beyond.
Despite the historic setting there is nothing old about the facilities on offer at this venue. Once you have chosen your room you have the option to chose the facilities you will be requiring to deliver your conference. PA systems, projector systems and flipcharts are available to all hosts. WiFi is not currently available at this venue.
To book your conference you can contact the Castle directly, via the website www.historic-scotland.gov.uk.
