Cost saving. The credit crunch has helped Edinburgh seize a golden opportunity to host a meeting of the world’s leading bullion dealers. The London Bullion Market Association’s (LBMA) Annual Precious Metals Conference was originally planned to be held in South America. But organisers decided to reduce flight costs to delegates in the current difficult economic climate and bring the event home to the UK. Edinburgh was selected to host the conference because it offered the ideal combination of quality venue and networking facilities for delegates. The three day event which will attract up to 300 delegates when it is held at the luxury 5 star Balmoral Hotel in November (2009).
“The high calibre level of assistance from the ECB has made arranging a Conference in Edinburgh a delight. I look forward in continuing to work with them in the lead up to our November event.” Ruth Crowell, LBMA Conference Organiser. The LBMA is the London-based trade association that represents the global wholesale gold and silver bullion market. London is the focus of the international Over-the-Counter (OTC) market for gold and silver, with a client base that includes the majority of the central banks that hold gold, plus major investors, producers, refiners, fabricators and other traders throughout the world.
Commenting on Edinburgh’s success in attracting the LBMA Conference, Sue Stuart, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Convention Bureau (ECB), said: “We are delighted to welcome this very prestigious event to Edinburgh for the first time. The circumstances validate our strategy of presenting Edinburgh as the alternative destination of choice for those UK organisations and corporations who wish to demonstrate prudence in the current economic climate by hosting their events at home.”
The LBMA meeting is one of 20 new events confirmed for Edinburgh between 17 June and 14 July that will be staged between 2009/2010.The latest round of conferences and meetings will involve 2575 delegates and generate an expected £3.2 million for the local economy. www.conventionedinburgh.com, www.lbma.org.uk
