SEC 40 Years Bold: Visions Brought to Life

For 40 years, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has been at the heart of Scotland’s culture and events scene. From conferences and exhibitions to concerts and family traditions, our venue has welcomed millions of visitors and played host to some of the world’s most exciting events.

As part of our 40 Years Bold celebrations, we’re shining a spotlight on the organisers who have been bold with us: those who trusted the SEC to deliver when they first brought their events to Glasgow, and those who continue to return year after year.

We spoke to four organisers – Toby Wand [Managing Director, 365 Events], Simon Burns CEO, ICHF Events], Darren Brechin Divisional Director, Media 10 Scotland, and Ian Porteous, AMRSS (The Association of Model Railway Societies in Scotland)] – and asked them the same four questions about their experiences. Here’s what they had to say.

When did you first bring an event to Scotland?

Toby: “The first event I brought to the SEC was the SETT Show (Scottish Education and Training Tech Show) in 1993.

Soon after, I launched two consumer shows – the Scottish Money Show and Period Home and Interiors. I then took over the ScotHot trade event in 2005, which I’ve run for most of the last 20 years.”
 

Darren: “After acquiring the Ideal Home Show brand from DMG, we relaunched the Scottish edition in 2011 at the SEC. It was an exciting moment to reintroduce such an iconic brand to Scotland.”
 

Simon: “ICHF first came to Scotland in 1994 when we were looking at expanding our successful run of craft-related shows in Birmingham and London.”
 

Ian: “Model Rail Scotland is the UK’s leading non commercially organised model railway exhibition in the UK and has been using the Scottish Event Campus since 1987.”

What convinced you to take that step?

Toby: “The SEC venue is bang in the heart of the city with great transport links and a super facility.”
 

Simon: “Meeting the people, visiting the venue and a tour of the towns and cities around Scotland, coupled with the enthusiasm from exhibitors and sponsors, convinced us it was the right place to continue our progress.”
 

Darren: “The SEC provided the perfect platform to bring the event back. They offered both first-class facilities and a passionate team who shared our vision. We knew that Scotland had both the audience appetite and the exhibitor interest to make the show a success, and the SEC gave us the confidence to take that bold step.”
 

Ian: “The shows route to the SEC is probably one of fate as opposed to any definitive plan as its home from 1966 to the mid 1980’s was the McLellan Galleries in Sauchiehall Street which – due to closure – required the organisers to find a new home. They opted to move to the SEC as it was on the boundary of the city centre, has good transport links and allowed us to hold our show in one hall as opposed to various rooms. These were the main reasons that led our organisers to ‘try the SEC’ and see how it would work out!”

What has been the highlight of your time running shows with us?

Toby: “Running a World Chef restaurant competition on site with nine international teams and welcoming Albert Roux to that show in 2013.”
 

Simon: “The biggest highlight of running shows at the SEC is the people. It’s all so efficiently run and the people are so friendly. Everything is made easy for organisers, exhibitors and visitors. If you can keep the exhibitors and visitors happy, then you’ve got a successful show.”
 

Darren: “Seeing the Ideal Home Show Scotland establish itself as a key annual event has been hugely rewarding. Each year, the energy on the show floor – from visitors discovering new ideas to brands showcasing their latest innovations – reminds us why we do what we do. A particular highlight has been the strong partnership we’ve built with the SEC team, who always go above and beyond to help us deliver.”
 

Ian: “Over the years there have been many highlights associated with Model Rail Scotland and along the way support offered by sales team and the operations team in relation has been key to the success of the event.

“As volunteers, the exhibition management team have learned much along the way and it would be safe to say that a partnership exits between ASMRSS Ltd and the SEC. This was demonstrated very clearly in August 2021 when the COVID restrictions on public events were relaxed.

“The guidelines issued by the Scottish Government seemed to us a daunting prospect but after discussing the situation with the SEC Sales and Operations teams they told us not to worry and to start our planning for the 2022. At the time we went ahead with much trepidation, but our fears were unfounded as, due to the support and advice provided to us by the SEC staff, Model Rail Scotland 2022 went off without a hitch!”

What advice would you give to anyone who is considering taking that (bold) step?

Toby: “Go for it! You won’t find a better facility or team to work with in Scotland.”
 

Simon: “Whether you’re launching or geo-cloning, my advice would be – go for it! You can do all the analysis in the world, but the only way you’ll know is if you try it.

“Do your homework, of course – sense check your plans, speak to the venue (who can help with market analysis), tour the area, get support from sponsors, get exhibitors excited, make sure there is a market… but then just do it.

“So many people talk about show plans and never do anything about it. That’s how all shows start… and here we are, thirty years after first launching at the SEC, with three really successful shows.”

Darren: “Work with the SEC team - they truly act as partners rather than just a venue. If you have an ambitious vision, Scotland is a fantastic place to bring it to life, and the SEC provides the ideal stage to make it happen.”
 

Ian: “For anyone considering the SEC as a potential venue we would have no hesitation in advising them to ‘give it a try’.  It worked out very well for us as there is no doubt the success of Model Rail Scotland – which is now the UK’s premier independent model railway show – can be attributed in no small part to the effective working relationship that exists between ourselves and the SEC.”

Looking Ahead

These stories highlight exactly what 40 Years Bold is all about. Organisers making brave choices, trusting in the SEC, and creating events that stand the test of time. We’re proud to have been part of their journeys, and even prouder to continue working with partners who share our passion for creating the incredible.