AC Forum 2025 Case Study: Showcasing the Scottish Event Campus

In January 2025, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) was privileged to host the prestigious AC Forum Annual Meeting, one of the most significant events in the association events sector, offering a window into the collective associations community and reflecting the SEC’s global profile as a leading venue for association events.

AC Forum is the only association established exclusively for and by associations. The beginnings of the organisation date back to 1999 when three prominent medical associations decided to meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas and experiences and establish common targets. Since then, AC Forum has grown into an established not-for-profit association that inspires and encourages its members to achieve excellence.

The two-and-a-half-day event brought together 175 international delegates from AC Forum member associations from around the globe to discuss the latest trends in association and congress management and allowed the SEC to demonstrate its expertise in hosting high-profile association events, showcase its cutting-edge technology, and highlight its commitment to sustainability.

Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales at the SEC, said: "AC Forum is one of the most influential groups in our industry, and it was an enormous privilege to host their annual meeting. It gave us the chance to showcase not only the excellence of the SEC but also the unique experiences available in Glasgow. We have a very strong partnership with Glasgow Convention Bureau, who are world class at what they do, and really it's the essence of that partnership between the SEC and the city that played a vital role in making the AC Forum Annual Meeting a memorable and impactful event, with the cultural richness of Glasgow leaving a lasting impression on attendees.”

Demonstrating Our Expertise in Hosting Association Events

At the SEC, hosting association events is in our DNA. We work with many association clients annually, and our team’s vast experience was instrumental in ensuring AC Forum’s meeting exceeded expectations. Our dedicated Association Sales and Event Management Teams worked closely with AC Forum organisers to create a seamless experience for delegates, providing the perfect environment for learning, networking, and experiencing the city of Glasgow.

The event allowed us to showcase our recent £1 million investment in technical production capabilities, including state-of-the-art lighting, advanced projection systems, and high-definition LED screens. The versatility of the SEC was on full display, with two of our exhibition halls transformed into distinct spaces for the exhibition, dining, and lecture theatre, alongside our purpose-built meeting rooms used for plenary sessions and campfire talks.

The AC Forum Annual Meeting also saw the successful deployment of SEConnect, our £4 million investment in an industry-leading connectivity solution with high-speed, ring-fenced internet facilitating seamless delegate interaction through features such as live voting and polling, making the sessions more dynamic and engaging.

A Packed and Engaging Programme

AC Forum’s packed schedule included sessions on AI, digital growth, impact, legacy, engaging community and volunteers, but most of all provided a host of opportunities for learning, peer-to-peer networking, sharing best practice and celebrating success stories in the industry.

A particular highlight was a careers masterclass, providing a unique opportunity for 50 students and early career event professionals to learn from some of the association world’s leading professionals.

Many of the AC Forum board gave their time generously to share their experience, knowledge and expertise during their session organised by the Glasgow Convention Bureau and AC Forum, offering an invaluable insight into association management and its impact on local communities, creating a template for future legacy initiatives.

Leadership in Sustainability

Sustainability was a key focus of AC Forum, aligning with our deep-rooted values at the SEC. In line with our Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, launched during COP26 in Glasgow, we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of every event we host. AC Forum exemplified this with sustainability efforts embedded across the event:

• Digital-first approach: 95% of event signage was digital, with the remaining 5% printed made from fully recycled and recyclable materials.
• Reuse and local sourcing: Flooring from previous events was repurposed, and furniture suppliers were sourced locally, reducing the event’s overall carbon footprint.
• Sustainable catering: The event’s catering highlighted vegetarian and vegan options, championing locally sourced ingredients to support nearby suppliers and minimise food miles.

The AC Forum event was also an important moment for industry leadership in sustainability. During the opening session, AC Forum signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable practices. This significant moment highlighted the shared values between AC Forum and the SEC in driving positive change within the global events industry.

A True Taste of Glasgow

The cultural experience of Glasgow played an integral role in the success of the AC Forum Annual Meeting. With the expertise of the Glasgow Convention Bureau, delegates were given a true taste of the city.

A networking evening took place at the historic Glasgow City Chambers, while the gala dinner was hosted at the stunning Oran Mor, a venue celebrated for its unique character and atmosphere.

Finola Quinn, Association Manager at AC Forum, reflected on the success of the event:
"The people we worked with at the SEC and the Glasgow Convention Bureau went above and beyond to deliver an outstanding event. The collaboration between the SEC, the city, and our team ensured a truly memorable experience for our delegates. The venue’s flexibility and the partnership with local experts made all the difference."

A Lasting Impact

AC Forum Annual Meeting 2025 at the SEC reinforced our venue’s position as a leader in hosting world-class association events, demonstrating how technology, sustainability, and collaboration come together to create truly exceptional experiences. The event left a lasting legacy, not just for the SEC, but also for the city of Glasgow, showcasing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering high-quality events for our clients.

By working together with partners across the city, we proved once again that the SEC is the ideal destination for association events looking to make a meaningful impact.