Aberdeen Convention Bureau (ACB), an arm of VisitAberdeenshire, has recognised the efforts of the city’s academics to bring 77 conferences and association events worth £52m to the regional economy during 2023 and 2024.

Aberdeen Convention Bureau and city partners, including P&J Live honoured the achievements of the academics who have been instrumental in bringing national and international conferences to the city. Held at the Music Hall, 50 representatives from the Robert Gordon University, University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian, and other professional bodies attended the dinner.

For the first time, an academic was presented with the James Clerk Maxwell Ambassador of Excellence Award. Dr Gerald Lip was awarded the accolade, for his work and support with the ambassador programme. Dr Lip of NHS Grampian, has been instrumental in influencing other colleagues in his network to bid for conferences, helping to share why Aberdeen is a fantastic host destination. His ambassadorial role within NHS Grampian was also identified as exemplary. In addition, Dr Lip along with his colleagues, are welcoming the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) conference to Aberdeen in 2025 and will help to highlight the work being carried out locally onto the global stage. Dr Lip is also Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen.

Laura Wilson, Head of Convention Bureau, said: “The awards evening was a celebration for ambassadors that have attracted conferences and events to Aberdeen during 2023 and 2024. We had the pleasure of providing seven awards and introduced the James Clerk Maxwell award for the first time.

“The award was inspired by James Clerk Maxwell’s pioneering role in bringing the British Association for the Advancement of Science to Aberdeen in 1859, and his work to developing a venue to accommodate the event, the place we now know as the Music Hall. We believe James Clerk Maxwell could well have been the original academic ambassador for the city, and we’re proud to honour his legacy with this special award, with the approval of the University of Aberdeen and of the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation in Edinburgh.

“Dr Gerald Lip was the worthy winner of this accolade, thanks to his continuous contribution, influence, and support when attracting conferences to the North-east. Congratulations to Gerald.”

Steve Daun, Head of Association Sales at P&J Live, said: “Our local ambassadors are crucial in helping us to identify and bring national and international conferences to Aberdeen. Over the year, P&J Live has welcomed a number of high-profile conferences, thanks to the support, hard work and dedication of the fantastic work being carried out by our Universities. Conferences are key to supporting economic and social change, and we are delighted to be recognising the work carried out locally which is making an impact not only in Aberdeen, but also at a global level.”

Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement at the University of Aberdeen, said: “The world-class research and innovation being undertaken by academics across a wide spectrum of disciplines makes Aberdeen an attractive proposition for technical and sector-based conferences and events. Attracting major conferences to the region is one of the many ways in which we support the economy of the North-east, while also raising the international profile of our academics and their research. “

The other winners were:

• Best Event Under 200 Delegates: 10th International Symposium on Environmental Hydraulics

• Best Event between 200 and 500 Delegates: International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association

• Best Event over 500 Delegates: European Conference on Visual Perception

• Collaboration Award: International Council of Nurses NP/APN, 13th Network Conference

• Impact Award: European Conference on Visual Perception

• Developing Ambassador Award: Danai Papadaki, European Conference on Visual Perception