Forthcoming Events

Forthcoming Events As a membership organisation, we aim to encourage the participation of members in our varied programme. Details of forthcoming SCDI events are outlined below. Please circulate this information to colleagues and if you require any further information on a particular event please email the relevant person as indicated under each event listing.  Please note that space at several of the events will be limited and it may not be possible to accommodate all requests. * denotes events that are free of charge ** denotes events which have limited places THE 41st SCDI ANNUAL FORUM THURSDAY 15 & FRIDAY 16 MARCH 2012 FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS HOTEL Now in its 41st year the SCDI Annual Forum is Scotland's leading policy and strategic networking event in the Scottish business and economic calendar. Involving over 300 senior participants from business, education, the public sector, trades unions, the third sector, central and local government and the Scottish media, the Forum brings together a world-class programme of wealth creators, international experts and thought leaders, to discuss and debate the issues vital to the future success of Scotland’s economy. This year we will focus on “SMART Scotland: Delivering our Ambitions” and how Scotland can meet our global challenges and achieve our ambitions through innovative and creative solutions. This Forum will seek to deliver a programme that examines Scotland as a SMART Nation, determines the role of our SMART Cities, with our SMART Assets and energy resources and maximises our SMART People. To find out more and book your place visit www.scdiforum.co.uk or email events@scdi.org.uk Confirmed Speakers include; The Rt Hon Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland Dr Willfried Wienholt, Vice President and Head of Urban Development, Siemens AG Steve Holliday, Chief Executive, National Grid Paul Plummer, Group Strategy Director, Network Rail John McClelland CBE, Chair, Skills Development Scotland Gerald Holtham, Chair, Holtham Commission Cllr Callum McCaig, Leader, Aberdeen City Council CONFERENCE FEES Fee includes the cost of one night's accommodation at Fairmont St Andrews Hotel, all meals, conference materials and receptions. SCDI Member £620 plus vat Non Member £720 plus vat Charity/Voluntary Sector (SCDI Member) £420 plus vat Charity/Voluntary Sector (Non Member) £520 plus vat DAY DELEGATE Fee includes attendance on Thursday 15 March, all conference breaks and materials. Please note the conference dinner is not included. SCDI Member £420 plus vat Non Member £520 plus vat To book your place please email events@scdi.org.uk or call the events team on 0141 222 9736. SCDI Business Networking Lunch* (FULLY BOOKED) Thursday 26 January 2012, 12.15pm for 12.30 – 2.00pm Venue: Hotel Indigo Glasgow, 75 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 7DA In partnership with Hotel Indigo Glasgow I have pleasure in inviting you to attend this networking evening hosted by the Hotel Indigo Glasgow. This event provides an excellent networking opportunity, and a chance to receive a brief update on SCDI activities. Contact: Julie Fleming Influencers’ Dinner*/** Tuesday 31 January 2012, 6.30pm for 7.00pm – 9.00pm Venue: Menzies Glasgow Hotel, 27 Washington Street, Glasgow, G3 8AZ Guest Speaker: David Smith, Innovation and Enterprise Director, Scottish Enterprise Contact: Claire Miller Business Seminar - The Future of Further Education* Thursday 9 February 2012 – 6.45pm for 7.15pm - 9.00pm Venue: Aberdeen College, Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB25 1BN Partnership with Aberdeen College and Banff and Buchan College The health and success of further education is vital to delivering skills and employment opportunities for many of the young people in the North East, where 30% of school leavers head to College after completing school. Both North East Colleges work closely with the oil and gas sector and are supporting the local economic agenda as embodied by ACSEF. However, the present period is one of considerable change and the Scottish Government is actively undertaking a review of post 16 education. All of this is against a backcloth of a reduced funding settlement for the Further Education (FE) sector in the recent Scottish budget and a continued Government commitment to “guarantee” a training place for all 16-19 year olds. Increased co-operation between institutions will clearly be needed to address some of these challenges as will better links between industry and employers across the North East. In this first SCDI Business Seminar of 2012, the Principals & Chief Executives of Aberdeen College, Rob Wallen, and Banff & Buchan College, Paul Sherrington, will outline how they see the future for FE in the North East and how relationships with industry will be even more integral to delivering a successful future for our young people. Following the presentations and Q&A session, a buffet and drinks will be available to all SCDI members and guests. Contact: Fiona Downie Influencers' Dinner*/** Tuesday 14 February 2012, 7.00pm for 7.30pm Venue: Mercure Ardoe House Hotel & Spa In partnership with Brewin Dolphin Guest Speaker: Mike Lenhoff, Chief Strategist, Brewin Dolphin Contact: Fiona Downie TRADE MISSION PROGRAMME In partnership with Scottish Development International Supported by HSBC SCDI is at the forefront of export promotion. Over the last 40 years, over 5000 companies have participated in over 350 missions to worldwide destinations. An SCDI mission offers companies an excellent vehicle to visit an export market, to conduct market research, appoint an agent/distributor or to visit existing companies. We possess excellent local market knowledge and are dedicated to helping companies achieve their export objectives. FORTHCOMING VISITS SCDI TRADE VISIT TO DUBAI AND DOHA, 5 – 9 February 2012 The UAE is one of Britain’s key trading partners, and provides a gateway to the wider Middle East and North Africa region. In 2010, UK exports to the UAE were £3.9bn. Dubai’s economy developed at a huge rate from 2000 and has established itself as the regions exhibition, financial, trade and tourism hub. It has a significant infrastructure base and is very accessible, with over 170 shipping lines and about 100 airlines. Many companies use Dubai as their regional base and is therefore a great place to meet with potential and current customers. The UK is one of Qatar’s key trading partners. The UK’s exported goods to Qatar were worth £778m in 2009. Qatar is also a growing market of interest with particular strengths in gas, energy, and tourism. In 2011, Qatar was announced as the host country for the World Cup in 2022. This will provide interesting business opportunities for Scottish organisations. Limited funded places are available to take part in the trade visit. Further information can be found here. Dates for the other markets will be announced in the near future. For further information please contact Siobhan Hazlett.