BUSINESS EVENTS SCOTLAND’S FINEST VENUES
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh’s historic rooms make an impressive backdrop for events
History adds another dimension to Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Conference centre combines heritage with slick technology after £3.5m upgrade
A
s the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh enjoys the fruits of the £3.5 million transfor- mation of its confer-
ence centre, it’s easy to forget that it is housed in one of Edinburgh’s precious buildings. Alongside the state-of-the art Physicians Inter- national Conference Centre, the Queen Street venue has some of the capital’s most impressive historic spaces. Full of period detail, its Geor- gian and Victorian rooms make a
glamorous backdrop for functions of all types. Te stately Great Hall is overlooked by statues of distin- guished figures from medicine while the adjoining New Library is lined with antique books and has a stunning ornate ceiling. Between them they have hosted some of the most prestigious of events from international meetings to dinners and award ceremonies. Upstairs the elegant Cullen
Suite’s interlinked rooms have striking views across the rooftops of the New Town and provide an infinitely flexible solution for receptions, corporate meetings or academic seminars. Tere is no denying the refur-
bishment of the 300-seat audito- rium – one of Edinburgh’s largest – has fuelled a busy year for the
college’s venue team. “We have grown our client base by just over 103 per cent in our last full year of trading and we predict our growth will continue well into 2021,” says Allan McKain, the college’s venue manager. Such is the demand, the team are already taking bookings into 2024. Te college also picked up the Best Non-residential Confer- ence Venue award at the Academic Venue Awards 2019. Since the official opening of the
Physicians International Conference Centre by HRH the Princess Royal in February 2019, the venue team has taken the opportunity to add to its already impressive technology. Facilities for web streaming and voting together with a new high spec laser projector and refine- ments to the audio system have
further enhanced the experience for delegates. “Te ability to reduce a confer-
ence’s environmental footprint with live streaming, remote presenters and video conferencing is prov- ing very popular and chimes with current expectations,” says Allan, adding that organisers are proudly reporting the number of hits their streams have had. Tere is no doubting that slick
technology is important, but del- egates also enjoy having a taste of the college’s rich 300-year history. It has a vast collection of rare items and books which can be used to create personalised heritage pre- sentations, tours and exhibitions. A medicine chest owned by Bonnie Prince Charlie and a 19th century electrical treatment machine are a couple of highlights which fascinate visitors. Looking at the college’s history
serves to remind us that it is com- mitted to supporting physicians worldwide and improving patient care. In fact, choosing the college as a venue supports its work with doctors across the UK and interna- tionally. n
venue.rcpe.co.uk EVENTSBASE | SPRING 2020 | 25
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