City centre campus helps bring global expertise to Scotland
Edinburgh has continued to strengthen its position as a destination for world-leading medical conferences after hosting a major joint European and American dental summit in the heart of the capital.
Hundreds of clinicians and academics travelled from across Europe and North America for the Joint Meeting of the European Association of Paediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, held on the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh campus.
The gathering brought two of the most influential professional bodies in paediatric dentistry together in Scotland, underlining the capital’s ability to attract high-profile international association events.
The conference, which attracted more than 350 delegates over two days alongside additional days of set-up and board meetings, was delivered at Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh campus, which manages conferences and events across the site.
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, said: “When European and American professional bodies decide to hold a joint meeting in Edinburgh, it reflects the city’s reputation internationally.
“Scotland has a long history of medical innovation and education. Being able to host global specialists here builds on that legacy and keeps the capital firmly in the international conversation.”
The event formed part of a wider trend that has seen Edinburgh secure a growing number of association conferences, particularly in healthcare and scientific disciplines.
For cities across the UK, competition for international conferences is intense, with organisers assessing accessibility, infrastructure and destination appeal before committing.
Organisers of the Joint Meeting cited the benefits of a central Edinburgh location, including proximity to the Royal Mile and ease of access to rail, bus and airport connections for international delegates, as well as the ability of the Surgeons Quarter campus to accommodate a multi-day programme and associated meetings within one site, which organisers said was a key factor in the event’s success.
The campus provided space for plenary sessions, workshops, panel discussions and exhibition areas, accommodating a complex multi-stream programme under one roof. Playfair Hall was used for key elements of the programme, including banqueting, with organisers noting the quality of the space, alongside the standard of service delivered throughout the event.
Scott Mitchell added: “International associations need venues that can handle scale and complexity without difficulty. Delivering that capability in the centre of Edinburgh strengthens the city’s competitive edge.
“These events also create wider value, economically and academically, for the city and for Scotland.”
Delegates attending global conferences contribute to the local visitor economy through accommodation, hospitality and tourism, supporting businesses across the capital during their stay.
At the same time, conferences of this scale reinforce Edinburgh’s reputation as a city where global expertise gathers, a factor that can influence future bids and repeat events, with venues playing an important role in the overall delegate experience.
Organisers of the Joint Meeting highlighted positive feedback on accommodation, technical delivery and event support provided on campus.
Surgeons Quarter promotes and manages all commercial activity held within the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh campus, with profits supporting the advancement of surgical education and improved patient outcomes worldwide.
Scott Mitchell said: “There is a wider legacy to hosting international conferences in Edinburgh. Beyond the immediate economic benefit, they strengthen professional networks and showcase the city as a credible and capable host on the world stage.
“That matters when future global events are deciding where to meet.”
With continued demand from international associations, Edinburgh’s blend of academic heritage, connectivity and established conference infrastructure is helping secure its place among the UK’s leading destinations for world-class medical gatherings.
https://www.surgeonsquarter.com
