My top 10 destinations for exceptional events by Scott Ford

Professional meetings and events buyers are evolving the way in which they select destinations. No longer is it only the usual questions – “What are the transport links like? What does the destination specialise in? What is the variety and quality of venues on offer?”

As MD of EDGE Venues, I’m very aware that the world we live in is changing at a rapid pace – geopolitical instability, trade wars and sanctions, wholesale last minute change of flight options as airspace closes and opens – all with alarming regularity. Yet these challenges also provide a huge opportunity for buyers when they are well informed and have robust risk mitigation processes in place.

The recent launch of EDGE Destinations means we are moving beyond traditional representation to provide Convention Bureaux with something far more powerful – a 365 days a year, always on and editable shop window to the world to professional M&E buyers.

For UK-based event buyers, the ideal location must balance accessibility, infrastructure, creativity, value, security and certainty while still delivering memorable delegate experiences and, as far as possible, mitigate the new world of risks we find ourselves in.

At EDGE, we provide destinations the ability to tell their story in a structured and measurable way that not only creates demand but builds trust in these uncertain times.

These 10 cities consistently stand out to me for their ability to deliver exceptional events, in stable environments, across a range of formats.

Zurich

Zurich is a compact, ultra-connected business destination – airport to city centre by direct fast train in 15 minutes or less. Zurich offers world-class infrastructure, innovation, ecosystems and an unrivalled quality of life. This all combines to deliver high-impact events with the Alps as your breakout room! A global centre of finance, tech and life sciences offers plenty of local knowledge to add impactful speakers and research to your events.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, cost-effective European capital city with global connections into its international airport located only 15 minutes from the city centre via a fast and direct metro link. Innovation and inspiration can be found throughout Lisbon as it consolidates its reputation as a tech start-up hub, and, with over 300 days of sunshine a year and a stunning coastal location, it is an appealing destination as well as offering excellent value for money.

Cannes

Cannes is a prestigious Mediterranean events hub, grounded in holding global events in a compact seaside setting, makes every event a flagship moment. Cannes is built to host events, with an exciting mix of iconic venues and hotels to suite every budget, all within easy walking distance of each other meaning even large events flow and feel curated with the delegate experience at its heart. Events with a media, cultural or production focus are especially well catered for.

Porto

Porto is an authentic, compact and cost-effective European destination where character-rich venues, strong sense of hospitality and a riverside setting create valuable high-impact business events. Think wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, historic places and riverside venues, which all mean your event can stand out without having to employ heavy production costs. For events looking to deliver a true local delegate experience, within a budget-friendly setting, Porto ticks all the boxes.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt sits at the financial crossroads of Europe – a highly developed event destination with truly global connections, where accessibility, scale and efficiency all combine to deliver seamless events no matter how large or small. Frankfurt carries serious corporate weight, especially in the banking and financial sector, home to global banking corporations. A wealth of local knowledge can support events in these industries to create truly impactful events. With flight time approximately equal from the USA and Asia, it truly offers a meeting point for the world.

Vienna

Vienna is a refined, centrally located European meetings hub where world-class conference infrastructure, intellectual heritage, and exceptional quality of life create high-calibre, culturally rich business events. Venues here are as diverse as the culture of the city itself, from the Hofburg Palace to the Austria Centre Vienna, you are certain to be able to pick a venue that reflects and supports the theme of your event. Home to leading institutions such as the University of Vienna, the city has deep roots in science, medicine and research.

Edinburgh

With a backdrop of castles, palaces, historic streets and green spaces your event feels instantly more distinctive and memorable. A compact city full of a wide variety of venues, hotels, conference centres, unique spaces and even an ex-royal yacht, the options are boundless. Knowledge-led events are the order of the day here: Edinburgh excels in life science, technology and finance. But on the flip side of that, it’s a truly wonderful incentive location in itself. Add easy access to the stunning highlands and lowlands and Edinburgh really can cater for any event.

Vilnius

Vilnius might sound like a wildcard, and in some ways it is. Not the first place you might think of. However, it’s a smart, emerging European meetings hub where innovation, affordability and a compact, character-filled old town create high-value, forward-looking business events. Excelling in great value events, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and baroque architecture, Vilnius feels fresh and different.

Zagreb

Zagreb is easy to navigate, with a walkable centre and short transfer times from the airport. Combine this with excellent value for money and a growing event infrastructure, and Zagreb is definitely worth considering. A friendly culture, with great food and a café culture encourages easy networking and discovery. All of this is topped off with access to worldclass incentive locations such as  the Plitvice Lakes National Park or the Adriatic coast.

Marseille

Marseille sits at the crossroads of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. It’s a dynamic Mediterranean gateway, where big-city infrastructure, cultural diversity and a waterfront setting create vibrant, large-scale business events with character. With a well-connected international airport, Marseille is also on the intra-European high-speed rail network, allowing for European delegates to arrive refreshed and keep an eye on the environmental impact of events.

Whether you’re looking to expand your reach, spark new partnerships, or grow business together, I’d love to start the conversation – let’s connect – or book time for a chat with Claudine, our Head of Sales: Hotels, Groups & Destinations. And don’t forget to explore EDGE Destinations!