“You 1st” revolutionary new service aims to deliver real benefits to conference organisers and delegates through innovative market solutions.
GLASGOW – Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) and the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) are working in partnership to launch a revolutionary new service – “You 1st” – which will deliver real benefits to conference organisers and their delegates through innovative new to market solutions.
In Glasgow the conference organiser always comes first, and extensive resources and expertise are focused on making a positive difference for them. The ethos of “You 1st” is to create a unique partnership with the organiser to understand their conference ambitions and make it happen in Glasgow. Based on this understanding, the city can create a “first” for their conference – something simple or spectacular – but most importantly, it must meet the objectives of the organiser.
Developing innovative solutions and delivering “firsts” with conference organisers in 2012 was the catalyst to launch “You 1st” to the industry. A series of “firsts” were created for the Diabetes UK Professional Conference, held at the SECC, 7-9 March 2012. These included a city Smartphone app and a 5K fun run, and both assets provided new revenue streams for Diabetes UK.
Furthermore, a series of “firsts” were delivered for the European Congress of Immunology, held at the SECC, 5 – 8 September 2012. A city lighting project was delivered to achieve the ultimate welcome for international delegates attending the conference. This involved illuminating the iconic Clyde Arc Bridge in the congress brand colour, and lighting the exterior and interior of the University of Glasgow to welcome guests to the President’s Dinner.
Looking ahead, the city is already working in close partnership with organisers who are bringing conferences to Glasgow in 2013 and beyond to create “firsts”.
Christopher Mercer, Chair, Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists commented: “We are delighted to be bringing the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) World Congress to Glasgow in 2016. One of our conference ambitions is to create a lasting health legacy for IFOMPT in the host city. Through joined up thinking and city support, they made this happen in Glasgow, and we will be able to provide spinal examinations and advice to the public in the city centre. Glasgow created a first for our conference which has been welcomed by the international community of manual therapists, and has been acknowledged as a great legacy for both IFOMPT and the citizens of Glasgow.”
GCMB Chief Executive Scott Taylor, explained: “In Glasgow, our focus is on delivering real results for conference organisers, through strategic partnerships and big ideas. Our unrivalled new service – You 1st – provides organisers with a unique opportunity to realise their ambitions by creating a conference first. We bring together resources and expertise from across the city to make this happen and we’re always prepared to go the extra mile to ensure success. Most importantly, we tailor the service to suit each conference partner, creating a first to achieve their particular goals. This ‘can do’ culture is at the heart of our conventions support offering; reinforcing Glasgow’s position as one of the UK and Europe’s most progressive business tourism cities today.”
Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, SECC, added: “In Glasgow we have a great reputation for innovation in this market and being the first to come up with ideas and initiatives that benefit our customers. As the city’s primary meetings and events venue we’re 100% behind this campaign; it sends a great message to our customers that Glasgow wants to do business with event and meeting organisers and that they continue to be welcome in our city.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
