Scotland’s first night time economy conference will be held in Aberdeen this month as part of a festival to highlight the best food and drink the city has to offer.
The Inspired Nights conference is part of the inaugural Inspired Nights festival which will take place in the city centre from Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 27.
Developed by festival organisers Aberdeen Inspired, the conference will be held at Brewdog, Castlegate on Tuesday, May 22 from midday until 4pm.
The conference will see speakers cover topics including: the night time economy, nightlife culture, urban life at night, health and safety, and Scottish licensing.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, will open the conference and 13 speakers will address delegates throughout the afternoon.
Nicola Johnston, Aberdeen Inspired’s evening and night time economy manager, has organised the event and anticipates significant interest from delegates. She said: “We’re delighted to organise and host Scotland’s first night time economy conference as part of the inaugural Inspired Nights festival in Aberdeen.
“Our conference day will explore changes within night life culture, and emerging trends within the night time economy. We will hear from a variety of local, and national, businesses and organisations, with the aim to highlight issues the industry is facing.
“Conference speakers Cllr Marie Boulton, and Ojay McDonald from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), will take a holistic view of the night time economy and discuss its position and strength within a city centre, and the importance of Aberdeen’s Purple Flag accreditation.
“Nightlife Culture aims to highlight trends in societies use of nightlife to establish what people want, this topic will be carried by a range of business owners from across Scotland including, Scott Forrest from SWG3/Let it Bleed, and Paul Clarkson from PBDev Co.
“Urban Life at Night is hugely topical now with the Agent of Change being adopted in Scotland, however it is enough? Craig Adams of Krakatoa will discuss his experience of noise complaints killing culture, we hope this will emphasise the need to strike a sensible balance between comfortable city living and a vibrant night time economy.
“With recent surveys and reports highlighting the need for radical new measures to tackle people being harmed by the use of drugs in the night time economy, Emma Crawshaw of Crew 2000 in Edinburgh, will discuss drug testing as a means of tackling the issue under our Health and Safety topic. Emma will also stress the difficulties venues can face if they have to regularly report drug misuse within their venues.
“Reducing vulnerability at night will be discussed by Chief Inspector Martin MacKay from Police Scotland, allowing venues to be further involved in upcoming police projects to increase protection across the night time economy. Lastly, Niall Hassard from TLT LLP will provide an overview of licensing board policies in Scotland and ask if they are fit for purpose.”
The Inspired Nights conference is free to attend but registration is required as catering will be provided.
More information about the event is available online at: https://aberdeeninspirednights.com/conference-day
To register to attend the Inspired Nights conference, please email: nicola.johnston@aberdeeninspired.com