Speakers

We are delighted to welcome an extensive line-up of excellent speakers to Scotland's National Events Conference 2026. This page will be updated as more speakers are confirmed and details supplied.

Lori Anderson
Director, Festivals Edinburgh

Julie Arbuthnott
Chair, Pittenweem Arts Festival

Phil Batty OBE
CEO, Glasgow 2026 Organising Company

Hugh Brasher
CEO, London Marathon Events

Dougie Brown
Event Producer, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Vikki Chapman
Head of Sustainability. Live Nation UK & Ireland

Rob Dickson
Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland



Claire Dow
Principal Events Officer, Dundee City Council


Katie Duffy
Head of Arts and Music, Glasgow Life

Andy Dunlop
Head of Concert Operations, DF Concerts

Peter Duthie
Former Chief Executive, Scottish Event Campus

Natasha Gada
Social Impact Manager, Tour de France Grand Départ 2027

Alison Giles
Director. Trivandi Academy


Billy Garrett
Director, Culture, Tourism and Events, Glasgow Life


Zara Janjua
Broadcaster, Writer and Event Host

Richard Lochhead
Minister for Business, Scottish Government

Neil Macleod
Managing Director, EveryStage Ltd

Craig McIntyre
Lecturer in Sport Management, University of Stirling


Gayle McPherson Associate Dean, School of Business and Creative

Brendan Miles
Head, Data Thistle


Jenny Niven
CEO and Director, Edinburgh International Book Festival

Colin Rodger
Director of Event Compliance and Resilience, DF Concerts & Events

Susan Russell
Head of Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society


Al Thomson
Company Director, Unique Events & Unique Assembly 

Rob Wicks
Managing Director, P&J Live





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