How to Experience Scotland from a Conference Centre

Scotland is increasingly the destination of choice for International Conference Organisers, with purpose-built venues like the SEC in Glasgow and the EICC in Edinburgh. 

These conferences gather leading experts in their fields from all over the world for jam-packed 3-5 day itinerary of lectures, seminars, and discussions. Yet many Delegates only get to see a Scottish Airport, a Scottish Taxi, a Scottish Hotel, and a Scottish Conference Centre, leaving little time to explore.

Reel Time Events specialises in bringing Scottish Culture to life at Conferences. We provide entertainment for Opening Ceremonies, Networking Events, and Gala Dinners for Conferences. Our events are designed to engage Delegates’ curiosity and give them unforgettable experiences in a once strange land.

Here are some of the ways that we help Conference Organisers to provide Delegates with a lasting Scottish Experience, even from the confines of a convention centre.

Scottish Drinks

Whisky built Scotland’s drinks reputation, but today Scotland is also home to a thriving artisan Gin Market, which means there’s plenty to sample.

Try the best of both under the supervision of an Expert Taster on hand to provide guidance and answer questions.

Conference Delegates can enjoy Scottish Drinks in a variety of ways:

• a casual market-stall tasting where Delegates can discuss their Scottish experience over drinks and discuss their drinks with an Expert Taster (see our blog about a conference whisky and gin tasting at the National Museum of Scotland for more)
• a pop-up whisky, gin or cocktail bar during networking events as a conversation starter
• a cocktail masterclass, where Delegates can learn to make their own Scottish cocktails with the option to compete in teams

Scottish Experiences

• The Clann – Scottish Warriors for hire. Watch a full-on 13th century skirmish to the death, and then learn about life as a Clan Warrior first-hand. The Clann give weapons demonstrations and displays, as well as teach people how to dress and act like a real Scottish Warrior in their Photo Booth.

• Highland Games – host your own version of Scotland’s ancient Highland Games! Delegates can talk to actual Scottish Highland Games champions who host the activities, and try something new and challenging.

• Bagpipe Workshops – Learn how to play Scotland’s national instrument under the tutoring of a Professional Bagpiper. Start on the Chanter and then take a turn on a full set of bagpipes.

• Virtual Reality – Strap on a Virtual Reality headset and be transported on a tour of Scotland without ever leaving your seat. Experience all of Scotland’s landmarks in a whirlwind visit, accompanied by a specially commissioned musical score. For those who have seen everything. 
• Case study: VR for Linux read more

Scottish Dancing

Get Conference Delegates dancing together to learn a new skill with a Ceilidh. Break down the barriers of unfamiliarity with constant partner switching and a fun activity that pushes everyone out of their comfort zone. Ceilidh Bands come with a ‘Caller’, who calls out the dances to keep everyone right, and take first-timers from zero experience to having the time of their lives.

Scottish Music

• Bagpipes – a competition-standard Bagpiper in full Highland Dress to kick off an evening’s entertainment with plenty of pomp and circumstance. Hear Scottish tunes, have a Bagpiper perform the Haggis Address, or even have a Pipe Band march through your conference.

• Traditional Scottish music played on traditional Scottish instruments like the Accordion, Clarsach, and Fiddle – or have a Scottish Folk Band play Scottish jigs and reels. Even add in some Highland Dancers!

• Our Scottish Shows Tartanium and Pipedown – modern updates on Scottish tunes fused with Rock and Pop Covers. Tartanium and Pipedown perform high-energy, 25 minute stage shows complete with Highland Dancers to blow audiences away in a rapid initiation into Scottish culture.

Scottish Dress

Dress like a Scot with Group Kilt Hire. The full kilt, sporran, and jacket outfit for Men. For Ladies, add a Tartan Sash to evening wear. We find Conference Delegates also enjoy Kilt Workshops and Masterclasses where they learn the history and significance of the kilt and how it is made.

A busy conference schedule doesn’t allow for long drives to the Highland or a visit to Loch Ness in between seminars. But you can still bring Scottish Experiences to Conference Delegates.

Satisfy the curiosity of your Conference Delegates with new experiences. The best way to understand a new place is to take part in the culture that shaped it over hundreds of years. On top of that, Scottish Experiences are unique for their warmth, their charm, and their ability to make strangers in to friends.