Business hospitality
V&A Dundee is not only proving a hit with the public – 27,000 visitors in the first week – it is already taking its place in Scotland’s corporate events calendar.
One big annual gathering, the Converge Challenge prize presentation for company creation, has booked the venue for next year’s ceremony (26 September).
Breaking the Edinburgh-Glasgow domination of the dinner circuit will be a significant boost for Dundee. Those involved in bringing the V&A to the city have been mulling over their next move, which could mean focusing on the business tourism and events market. Talks are already under way on the possibility of another venue on the waterfront to host mid-sized conferences, offering a facility with a bigger seating capacity than the nearby Caird Hall.
A total of 27,201 visitors attended the V&A Dundee in the seven days following the opening on 15 September.
The first weekend’s accompanying 3D festival brought 22,600 people to nearby Slessor Gardens for concerts and light shows.
The museum aims to welcome more than 500,000 visitors in its first year and then 350,000 a year.
Confirming the location of next year’s dinner was the last contribution by Converge Challenge’s outgoing director Olga Kozlova when she addressed guests at her final presentation held in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms. Guests were also reminded that the venerable 18th century building was itself the result of a pitching competition.
Ms Kozlova is taking up a new job at Strathclyde University.
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