Associations choose the city for health, life sciences, agrifood, and civic events
Long recognised as Europe’s energy capital, Aberdeen is fast building a reputation across a range of knowledge-led sectors.
P&J Live, operated by Legends Global, will welcome a significant line-up of non-energy conferences and congresses this autumn, each reinforcing the region’s strengths in health and life sciences, agrifood and public policy, while advancing the ambitions of the Northeast of Scotland’s Regional Economic Strategy.
Events this quarter include:
- The UK Congress on Obesity: 10–11 September 2025; 280 delegates
- The Association of Anaesthetists Annual Congress: 17–19 September 2025; 700 delegates
- The European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) Annual Scientific Meeting: 25–27 September 2025; 2,000 delegates
- Scottish National Party Annual Conference: 11–13 October 2025
- Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Annual Conference: 19–20 November 2025; 400 delegates
- UK Stroke Forum – 20th Anniversary Conference: 25–27 November 2025; 2,000 delegates
The surge in healthcare and life sciences conferences is supported by a local knowledge economy rooted in the hospitals and the University of Aberdeen. These are key reasons EUSOBI is heading to Aberdeen this year, as explained by Professor Gerald Lip, Clinical Director, North East of Scotland Breast Screening Programme and local ambassador who led the bid: “Bringing EUSOBI to Aberdeen recognises the region’s world-class credentials in breast imaging and data-driven diagnostics. Our clinical and academic community, spanning the University of Aberdeen, hospitals, and private companies, is pushing boundaries in AI-enabled screening, and we’re thrilled to share that innovation with colleagues from across Europe at P&J Live.”
For perioperative medicine, Aberdeen offers both the scale and practicality that modern congresses demand. Zack Puttock, Head of Education and Events at the Association of Anaesthetists, commented: “Annual Congress 2025 is designed to maximise learning, debate and hands-on skills. P&J Live provides the flexible spaces our programme needs, from high-impact plenaries to interactive workshops, and the city’s collaborative approach offers a welcoming setting for our community to come together.”
Earlier in May 2025, Aberdeen also hosted the International Family Therapy Association Congress and PCST 2025 – Public Communication of Science and Technology, further broadening the city’s credentials in health, wellbeing and science communication.
Delivering on the region’s strategy, with conferences as a catalyst, P&J Live’s pipeline will deliver significant value to the region far beyond just the delegate spend:
- Health & Life Sciences / Healthy & Skilled Population: UK Congress on Obesity, Association of Anaesthetists, EUSOBI, and the UK Stroke Forum will deliver major clinical learning, skill development, and research exchange in Aberdeen.
- Visitor Economy / Thriving Economy: Hosting the SNP Annual Conference underlines Aberdeen’s capacity for major civic events, driving national media attention and significant economic impact across hotels, hospitality, and transport.
- Food, Drink & Agrifood: The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust’s conference showcases North-east Scotland’s agrifood ecosystem and rural leadership, from primary production to innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Community & Cultural Identity: International gatherings such as PCST and the International Family Therapy Congress build global connections and celebrate Aberdeen’s outward-looking, knowledge-sharing culture.
Steve Daun, head of sales – Associations, Legends Global added: “Aberdeen’s long-term future lies in diversification, both within the energy sector and the other key sectors identified in the Regional Economic Strategy that offer high-value economic activity. This autumn’s calendar, spanning obesity research, anaesthesia, breast imaging, national policy, agrifood, and stroke care, shows the depth of our regional strengths and the versatility of our venue and city. With seamless space for plenaries, parallel sessions, and exhibitions, plus two on-site hotels and excellent connectivity, we’re proud to host events that support the region’s economic strategy and leave a lasting skills and knowledge legacy.”
Laura Wilson, Head of Convention Bureau, Aberdeen Convention Bureau, concluded: “Together with P&J Live and our academic and clinical partners, we’re showcasing the breadth of Aberdeen’s strengths beyond energy. The months ahead bring world-leading health and life sciences, agrifood and civic debate to a destination that is compact, connected and collaborative. From our universities and NHS partners to a thriving community and vibrant cultural scene, Aberdeen makes it easy for people and ideas to come together.”
P&J Live opened in September 2019, the £333 million development, delivered by Aberdeen City Council in partnership with Henry Boot Developments, replaced the Aberdeen Exhibition Conference and Centre (AECC) with 48,000 square metres of multi-purpose event space, and boasts world-class conference and exhibition halls, a superior arena, spacious hospitality boxes, and a high-end restaurant. P&J Live is the largest event complex in the North of Scotland, boasting world-class conference and exhibition facilities for organisers and delegates across the globe, all sustainably powered by local, renewable energy sources.
The site also comprises two hotels, including the adjoining 4-star Hilton with 200 bedrooms, the Aloft Hotel with 150 bedrooms, and a third budget hotel to be confirmed with a further 150 bedrooms. With unrivalled public transport connections, the new venue is located right next to Aberdeen International Airport – the UK’s most connected regional airport, a few short minutes from the city’s new western peripheral route, and in a prime position for the improved rail links between Aberdeen and the North of Scotland.
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility and consulting, owner’s rep, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content and booking. Our white-label approach ensures our partners remain front and center while we harness the power of our global network – including over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually – to enhance their business and guest experience. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us @LegendsGlobal on LinkedIn and Instagram.
