EventScotland CEO praises nation's event industry as it agrees Scottish Event Awards sponsorship
The chief executive of EventScotland has praised the strength of the nation's events industry as the organisation was today announced as the new title sponsor of the Scottish Event Awards.
Paul Bush told The Drum that landmark events such as Hogmanay, T in the Park and the Edinburgh Festival have helped establish Scotland as a world-class events destination and made it the envy of other countries.
"Most countries our size would love to have just one of these events," Bush said. "Relatively speaking we punch above our weight. Glasgow has 120 music gigs every week - more than any other UK city.
"One of our greatest achievements was getting the MOBOs from London. People said it would never happen but they have been a great success. By doing that people can see that not only do we have the ambition but we can deliver."
The Scottish Event Awards in Association with EventScotland were officially launched today at the Events Event in Aberdeen.
The awards, which are now open for entries, reward Scotland's finest event organisers, promoters, venues and suppliers.
"We've watched these awards grow and we wanted to get involved to show how passionate we are about the industry," Bush said. "We are confident in the industry, from the big boys to the smaller suppliers.
"For Edinburgh Hogmanay, all the print and design and look and feel is handled by one man, Neil Dalgleish. That just goes to show how a small Scottish company can get involved in international events."
Bush said that despite the tough economic climate, events had "held up well" over the last 12 months.
And he added that Scotland would enjoy a packed event calendar in the coming years.
"This year Glasgow is an Olympic football city and the Olympic torch relay is coming to all 32 constituencies in Scotland. We are the only place in the UK that is getting complete coverage in the relay and that is a huge coup.
"Then we are really looking forward to 2014 when the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup come to Scotland.
"What we are passionate about is making sure the events industry is fit for purpose. That it has the capacity and capability from suppliers to event managers to hoteliers.
"We want to ensure that wherever possible Scottish companies get engaged with Scottish events."