Aberdeen Science Centre has hosted more than 60 business events over the past year, bringing more than 2,800 delegates to the unusual venue in its best year yet for corporate trade.
Several organisations have held multiple events at the venue with OPITO choosing Aberdeen Science Centre as its venue of choice for 17 bookings over the 12-month period.
The events, which are worth an estimated five-figure sum, covered a range of topics including ‘the Value of Data’, ‘Arctic Frontiers Abroad’ and the ‘Net Zero Workforce’.
Aberdeen Science Centre recently underwent a multi-million-pound transformation. It now offers a range of spaces and is equipped with high-tech AV so that it can deliver in person and hybrid events.
Erin Flett, head of business development at Aberdeen Science Centre, said, “The number of corporate events which have been held at Aberdeen Science Centre between April 2022 and March 2023 is testament to the high-quality offering that we have.
“We provide a unique and versatile events space where organisations can host their event in inspiring surroundings.”
The space on offer at Aberdeen Science Centre can be configured to suit many different types and sizes of event.
“We have three purpose-built meeting rooms and a split-level upper exhibition floor. This can be redefined as a conference or exhibition space or used to host a drinks reception with catering from our on-site provider, Grub Fresh Food.”
Access to the exhibition floor, which is home to more than 60 interactive exhibits including Aberdeen Science Centre’s newest additions of a slinky treadmill and a spaceship docking manoeuvre exhibit provides a unique addition to the event experience.
“Feedback we have received following events indicates that having access to the exhibits is popular with event delegates. It often acts as a useful ice breaker when people first arrive at an event, and during breakout and networking sessions,” said Erin.
Francesco Bertoldi, head of Nordic and Arctic Unit at the Scottish Government agreed. Following the Arctic Frontiers Abroad conference, which was held at Aberdeen Science Centre in March 2023, he said, “The Aberdeen Science Centre was a perfect fit for our conference. Our delegates were impressed with the facilities and loved exploring the exhibitions.”
A wide variety of topics were covered by the events – and perhaps not surprisingly, some have strong links with STEM.
Erin added: “In November, Energy Voice held its ‘Energy Transition Idea Exchange’ event, ETIDEX, at the Aberdeen Science Centre, this was a hybrid event and made use technology provided by our partner, AVOne, to allow people to attend in person or virtually. More recently, in March 2023, we hosted the Scottish Schools Hydrogen Challenge Final.”
However, events don’t have to have a STEM link to be held at Aberdeen Science Centre.
“Over the past 12 months the events held at Aberdeen Science Centre have been quite varied and included a volunteer appreciation day for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland as well as Business Gateway’s ‘Transform Business Festival’ which attracted over 300 people over the course of the day.”
Every event held at Aberdeen Science Centre has one thing in common, helping Aberdeen Science Centre to continue working with schools and communities from across the North of Scotland.
“We have an end goal of inspiring children and young people to have a lifelong interest in STEM through engaging experiences. Those using our services and hosting their event at the centre have the added bonus of knowing that not only are they contributing to the local economy, but they are also helping to build a legacy.”
Aberdeen Science Centre reopened to the public in November 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.
In January 2023 it was announced that Aberdeen Science Centre was one of 13 Aberdeen projects to be awarded funding by the Just Transition Fund. Aberdeen Science Centre was awarded £39,500; the money will help to fund an electric vehicle that will house an interactive climate change exhibit.
For more information about events at Aberdeen Science Centre visit, https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/venue-hire/