Bringing people together has been the EICC’s purpose since it opened in 1995. Over those 30 years, we have learned that the value of an event depends not only on who comes through our doors but on who feels able to take part. That begins with the experience of being in the building.
OUR TEAMS have worked to make the EICC welcoming and accessible to people with different needs. In 2018, Euan’s Guide named us Best Venue for disabled access at the Edinburgh Festivals. It was a recognition of practical details, from finding your way around to the welcome you receive and of the people whose work makes those details matter.
Today, we work with organisers to think about inclusion from the start of an event, rather than treating it as a final check.
When the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (pictured below) came to Edinburgh, that meant considering prayer spaces, quiet rooms, catering and the different ways delegates might want to participate. The conference brought together 500 people for three days of learning and connection. Working with its organisers helped show what is possible when the whole experience is designed with people in mind.
Working with its organisers helped show what is possible when the whole experience is designed with people in mind.
Inclusion also means opening up the opportunities created by international events to people who live and work here. Through the Exchange Initiative Fellowship, 141 fully funded places have been confirmed for local early-career researchers to attend upcoming conferences at the EICC, in the last year alone. A place in the room can lead to a new contact, a fresh direction for research or the confidence to pursue an idea.
Access to conversations
Some of the most meaningful connections happen outside a conference programme. EICC Live brings free public talks into the venue, giving people across Edinburgh access to conversations on science, health and issues affecting our shared future. We have also supported and hosted the Social Enterprise Schools Awards, celebrating young people who are building enterprises to address problems they see in their communities.
“We hope this recognition helps the checklist reach even more people and, most importantly, supports meaningful change across our industry so that events are more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
- Gayle McGuinn, EICC
None of this happens through a policy alone. It depends on people listening, noticing barriers and working with others to remove them. Associate Director of Sales, Gayle McGuinn recently picked up the Human Impact Award at PCMA’s inaugural Convene 4 Climate Awards recognising this kind of work, including her involvement in the EICC Impact Network and the Neurodiversity in Events Checklist developed with ABPCO and Welcome Brain Consulting.
“This award recognises the work of the ABPCO Neurodiversity in Events Taskforce and the collaboration behind the checklist. Bringing together event professionals and neurodiversity specialists through ABPCO has helped create something practical that supports organisers and venues in making events more neuroinclusive. We hope this recognition helps the checklist reach even more people and, most importantly, supports meaningful change across our industry so that events are more accessible and inclusive for everyone.” Gayle says.
Thirty years of bringing the world to Edinburgh has given the EICC an international stage. Our responsibility is to keep asking who can share it and how the ideas and opportunities created here can reach further into the city.
This is part two in a series. Read part one: A city of connections or part three: A stage for the city