Host City will return to Glasgow, Scotland, on 1-2 December, bringing together leaders from across the international sports, business and cultural events industries to explore the future of major event hosting and delivery.
VisitScotland and Glasgow Life are confirmed as Global Presenting Partners & Hosts of Host City 2026, which will take place at the Radisson Blu Glasgow under the theme The Events World of the Future.
The conference will bring together host cities, event owners and organisers, suppliers and solution providers for two days of discussion, presentations, workshops and networking, alongside the Host City Awards.
Confirmed speakers include senior representatives from LA28, FIFA, Formula 1, the International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Sport, World Rugby, Burning Man and London Marathon Events.
The programme will examine the changing economics of major events, new hosting and commercial models, the role of technology and AI in event delivery, and how organisers and host cities can respond to evolving audience expectations.
Ben Avison, Conference Director of Host City, said: “We are delighted to return to Glasgow with the support of our Global Presenting Partners & Hosts, Glasgow Life and VisitScotland. Host City brings together people shaping the future of major events, and we look forward to welcoming an outstanding international community to share ideas, develop partnerships and explore what comes next for our industry.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland, said: “Host City is an important forum that brings together the international events industry to share knowledge, build connections and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector. As a Global Presenting Partner, we are pleased to continue supporting an event that helps move the industry forward.
“Events play a vital role in supporting Scotland’s economy, creating opportunities for businesses and communities, and enhancing our profile on the international stage. Scotland’s experience of delivering major events has shown the value of working together to help the sector adapt, innovate and grow.
“Through our partnership with Host City and Glasgow Life, we look forward to welcoming delegates to Glasgow and highlighting the lasting impact events can have on our destinations, communities and economy.”
Glasgow Life Director of Culture, Tourism and Events, Billy Garrett, said: “We are committed to working with partners from the international cultural, sports and business events sectors to support the continued success and sustainable growth of the industry. Host City provides a vital forum for connection and collaboration and sharing information and insights, so we are delighted the conference is returning to Glasgow in December.
“Our city is certainly a fitting destination for Host City. Glasgow is world-renowned as an expert, trusted, welcoming host of events of all types, and we’re committed to further consolidating and enhancing our reputation even further so we maintain and develop the positive economic and social impact that events make to our city and to Scotland.
“This year’s conference theme, The Events World of the Future, promises to stimulate some great debate and discussion on opportunities and challenges for the global industry, so Host City delegates can look forward to an inspirational two-day programme.”
Host City Awards 2026
The Host City Awards will take place on the evening of 1 December, celebrating excellence and innovation across the international major events industry.
Chaired by legendary concert producer and promoter Harvey Goldsmith CBE, the Awards will recognise outstanding achievements across six categories, celebrating the contributions of host cities, event owners, organisers and suppliers.
