Case study
Scottish Learning Festival- full marks for the venue
*7,023 visitors in 2008
*significantly increased hall space and creative use of space
*92% of visitors rated SLF 2008 as excellent or good*
From prestigious conference speakers to pupil workshops, the
Scottish Learning Festival is the most high-profile event in the
Scottish education calendar.
The Scottish Learning Festival is a red-letter event in Scottish
education and has taken place at the SECC for the past decade.
2008's festival was the biggest ever with a switch to the SECC's
largest hall - Hall Four. With 7,000 attendees visiting over two
days, the Scottish Learning Festival attracted the three education
ministers from the Scottish government, numerous high-profile
international speakers as well as Scotland's teaching
community.
Run by Learning and Teaching Scotland, the event combines a
cutting-edge conference with 170 keynotes, spotlights and seminars
running in tandem with Scotland's largest educational resources
exhibition, organised by event partners EMAP. The exhibition
features the Scottish Education Village - jam-packed with teacher
and pupil workshops.
Elaine Docherty of LTS explains why 2008 stood
out:
"In 2008, we moved to the biggest hall in our ten year history. The
move to a bigger hall made a huge difference- there's always been a
great buzz about the event but last year, the whole feeling of the
place was fantastic. There was a great atmosphere and delegates
really appreciated the space.
"What we try to do every year is make the most of the
facilities. It's very important for teachers who are taking
precious time away from the classroom. Delegates want more than
100% - they have extremely high expectations.
"As regards the SECC team, we've always found that we can pick
up the phone any time and say 'help!' Every year, there are always
a few new things and the technical team works very well with us to
deliver these. Over ten years, we've built up a great relationship
and the venue's been absolutely fantastic. They understand the
complexity of the event and the facilities are brilliant. The SECC
is the only venue in Scotland which can provide these facilities
all under one roof. Its location and great transport links are
critical to us too."
Of course, every year provides a fresh set of challenges - and
not all of these can be foreseen. On the eve of the 2008
conference, there was word of a major strike- something which could
have had a major knock on effect on visitor numbers. Elaine takes
up the story:
"When we heard of the strike, we sat down with the venue team
and talked through all the options - what would happen if visitors
figures went up or down dramatically. We worked through parking,
catering and all the other practicalities and felt fully prepared
for all eventualities.
"The delegates walk in and no matter what else is on at the
SECC, the venue is perfect every time. 2008 was our biggest and
most challenging year yet and 99% of delegates said that they would
recommend the SLF to colleagues* - the ultimate testament to
getting things right "
*source: Emap Connect
