From Event Planning to Impactful Change: David’s Journey within the business events sector

Fresh out of university and with a portfolio of event planning experience, I had thought long and hard about what career I wanted to pursue. I wanted to put my energy into something that would be meaningful and choosing a sector where my efforts could combat real issues felt like the right path for me.

I joined VisitScotland Business Events in September 2023. As a newcomer to the business events industry, I wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about corporate and association events, but I soon realised how impactful meetings can be in bringing about meaningful change within the world.

From the outset, I realised that the business events sector is deeply self-aware of the need for more action, and this was the driving force behind my decision to join this field. Young people possess a deep-rooted passion for positive development, and I felt welcomed by the team because they are so enthusiastic about embracing all perspectives.

One event that stuck out to me was the World Down Syndrome Congress in Glasgow 2018, which was an amazing example of bringing the local community and the business events sector together to create a legacy for the city. It’s incredible to work in a sector that can collaborate with communities to create solutions that combat real issues and create significant change.

My first project as part of the graduate scheme was Journey: The Business Events Conversation. This event was pivotal in helping me understand the role of our Journey to Change messaging here at VisitScotland Business Events, and it was great to receive hands-on experience in what it takes to organise and run a business event.

The conference proved to be a huge success, bringing together business events professionals from Scotland, the UK and further afield to the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Edinburgh. Amongst our diverse panel of speakers was Anna Abdelnoor , CEO and Founder of isla , who’s work as a non-profit organisation driving the events sector towards a more sustainable future was nothing short of brilliant.

I am incredibly excited to be part of a community that is not only aware of the challenges we face but is actively working towards creating a more sustainable future. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a rewarding and impactful career at VisitScotland Business Events. University may have ended, but the opportunity to create change begins now.

This team-focused blog series shines a light on members of the VisitScotland Business Events team, offering personal insights on the work they do within the business events industry. We hope to learn from one another through these blogs and showcase some of the amazing work being done by our people and celebrate their achievements.