Europe's largest education conference

Founded in 1989, European Association for International Education (EAIE) is the acknowledged European centre for expertise, networking and resources in the internationalisation of higher education.

EAIE Annual Conference is Europe’s largest international higher education event, gathering 5000+ professionals from 90+ countries. It is the place where countless ideas are shared and thousands of partnerships take shape.

The team at EAIE needed local support to plan and manage the social program outside of the conference at the SECC in Glasgow. This included dinners, drinks receptions, ceilidh dances, a health & wellbeing program, gala dinner and more.

Experience has taught us that the keys to success of this type of programme are two things:

  • Firstly, an understanding of the diverse cultures that we were hosting. It’s important to know what kind of events, food and entertainment that’s going to be appropriate.

  • The second is ensuring that our transport providers work like a well-oiled machine. When you’re moving such a large volume of delegates around the city, this really is the most critical point. It’s tricky when such a large conference clashes with a full social events calendar in Glasgow, from events at the SSE Hydro to football matches at Celtic Park.

Luckily for us, we not only know the city well, but are geeky planners at heart! Plus we work with one of best coaching companies in the business!

Site inspections: mission critical

​Several site inspections where needed to nail the locations for the main social events. Then, as the EAIE’s Joint Leadership Meeting took place in Glasgow, we hosted the heads of various ‘Expert Communities’- members of the association’s volunteer leadership – to conduct a site inspection for their various ‘EC’ events.

Everything was ticking along nicely when the venue for the main dinner dance, which is the social highlight of the week, unexpectedly closed; just over 2 months before the event. Seeking an additional venue for 900 guests in the centre of Glasgow was a challenge, but with one final site inspection, we had a solution – the exclusive hire of all the restaurants and gorgeous communal square at the city’s Merchant Square. The Bond-themed finale was back on track!

"The Hello Scotland team was extremely supportive of our conference needs from the very start. We received great venue suggestions and valuable local knowledge, as well as well-structured and clear administrative and financial support. As we host 20+ events during a four day conference, the Hello Scotland team was of tremendous value to us on-site with events taking place simultaneously.

We felt assured our events were in safe hands, and this allowed us to even participate in a few pub quizzes and receptions ourselves!Many thanks to the Hello Scotland team, who were always there when we needed assistance. A reliable and, moreover, knowledgeable and friendly partner!"

ANNE, EVENTS COORDINATOR, EAIE