30 Apr
SEC celebrates record-breaking year for exhibitions in 40th anniversary year
The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is celebrating a record-breaking year for exhibitions, with unprecedented growth in visitor numbers, revenue, and event diversity in its 40th anniversary year.
The 2024–2025 financial year saw the SEC host 50 exhibitions with 14 new events added to what is now the venue’s most diverse portfolio of events to date.
The SEC also achieved record levels of new revenue, driven by a 430% year-on-year increase in new business, contributing to a 35% rise in turnover and a 28% uplift in gross profit. It’s a clear sign that the industry, the city, and the campus are all in excellent shape.
Highlights included:
- Beyond Van Gogh: The SEC’s longest-running event at 47 days, captivating 50,000 art lovers with its immersive experience.
- HYROX: A global fitness competition that recently brought 40,000 competitors and supporters to Glasgow, with plans to grow in the years to come.
- All-Energy: The UK’s largest renewable and low-carbon energy exhibition and conference reached a new milestone with its biggest edition to date. With a new three-year deal in place and Glasgow City Council aligning its own Climate Week with the event. All-Energy’s influence continues to grow alongside the city’s sustainability ambitions.
The SEC also welcomed culturally significant events like the Titanic Exhibition, which highlighted Glasgow’s historic connection to the ship, and the Halal Food Festival, which engaged both the local Muslim community and foodies from across the city.
Dan Thurlow, Director of Exhibitions at the SEC, said: “This has been an extraordinary year for events at the SEC. We’ve not only welcomed back some of our most successful exhibitions but also introduced exciting new shows that reflect the evolving interests of our visitors.
“Glasgow’s accessibility, combined with the SEC’s world-class facilities, continues to make it a premier destination for event organisers and attendees alike. As we approach our 40th anniversary, we’re stronger than ever, and we’re excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead.”
The SEC’s success is further underscored by its commitment to sustainability, achieving Gold Standard in Green Tourism and implementing initiatives like its Sustainable Food Strategy, which ensures 80% of produce is Scottish-sourced and 100% of packaging is reusable or recyclable.
Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Director for Energy and Marine at RX Global, organisers of All Energy, said: “The SEC has been an outstanding partner in helping us maintain our position as the UK’s leading renewable energy event. Their support, combined with Glasgow’s accessible location, has enabled us to attract a diverse audience from over 80 countries to date. The extension of our partnership announced earlier this year is a testament to the strength of their offering.”
As the SEC celebrates its 40th anniversary, it does so from a position of strength, having solidified its reputation as one of the UK’s leading exhibition venues. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the SEC is poised to continue delivering world-class events and creating unforgettable experiences for years to come.
