It was announced today (Friday December 2 2016) that Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (AECC) were unsuccessful in their bid to continue their management of the existing and new venue.
Following a procurement process issued by Aberdeen City Council (ACC), global operator, SMG Europe has been selected as the preferred bidder to take over the management of the existing venue for two years and a ten year contract of the new venue due to open in 2019.
SMG, operates more than 240 entertainment, sports, conference and exhibition venues across the US, Canada, Europe, South America and Asia and were chosen by members of ACC’s Finance, Policy and Resources committee.
Graeme Cumming, interim managing director for AECC, commented: “We are disappointed to have been unsuccessful, however we very much look forward to working with the team at SMG Europe who we are sure will make the new venue a great success for the City of Aberdeen."
An SMG Europe spokesperson said: "SMG is delighted to be announced as preferred bidder to operate the AECC. We are incredibly excited about the development of this new world class conference, exhibition and entertainment venue for Aberdeen, supported by the region's on-going commitment to innovation and infrastructure. We look forward to bringing to bear our international networks and expertise to work with the existing team at AECC alongside the region's passionate base of economic stakeholders, to develop an exciting new events programme for the city."