On the afternoon of Monday 30 November, Host City delegates will have the opportunity to take part in exclusive hosted visits showcasing Glasgow and Scotland as a world-class destination for major events. Delegates can choose between a Glasgow experience, meeting senior events leaders and visiting key sporting and cultural venues, or an Edinburgh experience, connecting with leading festival and events figures and exploring some of the city’s iconic event locations. Details of the programme will be released shortly.
Key themes and opportunities at Host City: insight, connections and practical takeaways
A warm welcome from the hosts, Glasgow, Scotland
Speakers
Leadership, integrity and the future governance of global major events
The role of events in long-term destination positioning
Exploring how major events are adapting to a changing economic, political and environmental landscape.
Exploring how major events are adapting to a changing economic, political and environmental landscape.
Crisis case studies. Managing political, legal and regulatory complexity. Who carries the risk?
How funding, procurement and partnerships are reshaping the commercial future of major events.
How the Olympic Games are evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.
Speakers
How destinations build the strategic, political and economic case for hosting major events.
Real-world examples of how sports and entertainment organisations integrate esports and virtual experiences to reach new audiences and evolve competition formats.
Examining the benefits and trade offs of co hosting, hub based and fixed location event models.
Which metrics matter to governments, investors and communities? Case studies where impact measurement changed funding or hosting decisions
Who owns the audience relationship now? Are rights values peaking or fragmenting? What are creators and the entertainment industry doing better than sport?
Curated lightning talks from global practitioners and innovators. Followed by interactive discussion with the room.
Join delegates and industry leaders for an evening of networking, celebration and recognition as we honour excellence across the global major events sector.
Chairperson
An inside look at how LA28 is redefining ticketing, hospitality and commercial strategy for the next generation of Olympic Games.
Speakers
How major events are redefining audience engagement, participation and commercial value.
The blurring line between audience and participant. How IFs and organisers are using participation to drive relevance and revenue. What cities gain from mass participation vs elite events.
How sport, culture and live experiences are driving destination appeal and year round visitation.
How innovative funding and commercial models are supporting the future of major events.
Speakers
How sport, culture and live experiences are driving destination appeal and year round visitation.
Key themes and opportunities at Host City: insight, connections and practical takeaways
A warm welcome from the hosts, Glasgow, Scotland
Speakers
Leadership, integrity and the future governance of global major events
Talking points
Talking points
Risk, Reputation and Resilience is an interactive masterclass exploring how event organisers can prepare for and respond to complex challenges. Through real world crisis case studies, participants will examine approaches to managing political, legal and regulatory risks, protecting organisational reputation, and understanding how risk is allocated across hosts, organisers, partners and suppliers.
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Real-world examples of how sports and entertainment organisations integrate esports and virtual experiences to reach new audiences and evolve competition formats.
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Join the global major events community for an evening of networking, celebration and recognition at the Host City Awards 2026.
The evening begins with a Civic Reception, bringing together delegates, speakers, finalists and industry leaders in an informal setting to reconnect, build new relationships and celebrate the achievements of the sector.
Guests will then enjoy the Host City Awards Dinner, where the winners of the Host City Awards 2026 will be announced. Recognising excellence across destinations, event owners, organisers and suppliers, the awards celebrate the innovation, collaboration and impact that are shaping the future of major events.
Whether you’re celebrating success, supporting finalists or expanding your network, this is one of the standout social events of Host City 2026.
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Includes: Civic Reception • Buffet dinner • Host City Awards Ceremony • Networking
Chairperson
Speakers
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