Highlights at the EICC Operations Director Marion McKean, who recently joined the EICC in August, tells Conference Call what the operations team will be prioritising this winter. Plus, A-list actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio will be delivering the keynote speech at the Scottish Business Awards in November

Insomnia Gaming Festival

What did you do before joining the EICC?

I was a multi-site manager with Premier Inn, running eight hotels within the Edinburgh area. While working for Premier Inn, I undertook the Destination Leaders Programme at Edinburgh Napier University, which was all about industry-wide collaboration to do what’s best for the city. Since I completed the Programme in 2015, I really wanted a role where I could be more involved in promoting Edinburgh as a destination for business tourism.

“I really wanted a role where I could be more involved in promoting Edinburgh as a destination for business tourism”

What attracted you to working at the EICC?

My passion was to stay within the tourism and hospitality sector but to take my career in a different direction away from hotels and into the conference and events industry in Edinburgh. The EICC is renowned for its excellent facilities and for delivering exceptional standards of services to all its clients.

What were your first impressions?

What we already deliver at the EICC is exceptional – we have a very committed team who work well to deliver the highest standards to our clients. My new role is a fabulous opportunity to be part of the EICC team and work with the city on delivering great experiences for our business tourists.

What are the key priorities for the operations team in the coming months?

We will remain focused on delivering high standards of customer care and ensure that every event we deliver is the best a client or delegate has ever experienced. This will help us continue to be widely recognised as a first-class international venue.

What are you looking forward to most about your new role?

I’m looking forward to working in a world-class venue that plays such a vitally important role in bringing business tourists to Edinburgh, as well as working with the team at the EICC and achieving the standards that we pride ourselves on.

Upcoming events at the EICC

Scottish Business Awards

The Scottish Business Awards return to the EICC in November for the fifth consecutive year to recognise the very best entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country. Last year, George Clooney captivated guests with stories about his Hollywood career and humanitarian work in South Sudan. This year’s keynote speaker is equally fascinating as the Awards welcome Leonardo DiCaprio on his first visit to Scotland. The Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist will discuss the business of Hollywood and how we can all help in halting the damaging effects of climate change.

Further information

Foodies Festival Christmas

Foodies Festival, the UK’s largest food and drink festival, is bringing the Christmas spirit back to the EICC in November. MasterChef winner Jane Devonshire, Great British Menu star Michael Bremnar and other top Scottish chefs will be cooking up their festive favourites in the Chef’s Theatre. Learn all the skills to become the ultimate host at the 12 Top Tip festive masterclasses, get merry with Craft Beer, Wine and Champagne masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre, and bring your wee ones along to the Elf’s Cookery School. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate and Churros classes and Burlesque Baker Charlotte White’s showstopping Christmas Cake demos in the Cake and Bake Theatre will more than satisfy. With more than 200 stalls of best foodie treats, live music, a vintage tea room and a luxury VIP area, Foodies Festival is the only place to kick off your festive season.

Tickets

Griff Rhys Jones

Join Welsh comedian, writer and actor Griff Rhys Jones at the EICC in November for his brand-new essay writing service, complete with previously unseen footage. Griff will be recounting stories and anecdotes as he reminisces about his long career with his much missed comedy partner Mel Smith – it’s been described as a ramble through a relationship.

Tickets

CEO Sleepout

EICC Chief Executive Marshall Dallas will be joining more than 100 other Scottish business leaders in Charlotte Square on the night of the 15 December for the 'CEO Sleepout'. Organised by Social Bite, the event will raise awareness of homelessness during the festive period. Throughout the night, the only comforts Marshall and his fellow fundraisers will receive are tea and coffee, as well as equipment provided by Trespass. They can look forward to being served breakfast rolls in the morning by Scotland’s First Minister and members of her Cabinet. The funds raised from the event will go towards Christmas dinners and presents for the homeless, hot meals throughout the year, and building The Social Bite Village. Due to begin construction next year, the Village will provide accommodation made from shipping containers for 20 people currently living in temporary accommodation.

Any donations to this worthy cause would be gratefully received here

COMING IN 2017

TJ Higgs

TJ Higgs is today firmly placed as the UK’s foremost psychic medium. See her at the EICC in February.

Venue Expo & PA Expo

For the first time in its three-year history, Venue Expo, which will be co-located with PA Expo, will take place in Scotland.

Edinburgh Comic Con

Hero Convention’s Edinburgh Comic Con returns to the EICC in April next year.

Gino D’Acampo

Join Gino D’Acampo for an evening of food and fun as he brings a piece of Italy to Edinburgh in May.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit the What’s On page