Host City

In this keynote interview from Host City 2025, Harvey Goldsmith CBE, the visionary promoter behind Live Aid, reflects on The Enduring Inspiration of Major Events. In conversation with Rhona McLeod, Harvey shares behind-the-scenes stories from Live Aid, explores how major events are conceived and delivered against the odds, and discusses why great events continue to inspire societies long after the lights go down.

In this interview from Host City 2025, Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, joins Sarah Lewis OBE OLY to reflect on a landmark tournament that redefined what women’s sport can achieve. From record-breaking attendances and global broadcast reach to inclusive fan experiences, bold leadership and lasting social impact, Sarah shares the vision, decisions and values behind delivering a truly generational moment for women’s rugby - and the lessons it offers for major events worldwide.

This panel, Empowering Host Cities and Event Organisers Through Exceptional Visitor Experience, explores how cities and organisers can design seamless, inclusive and memorable journeys for attendees. Helen Helliwell (Invictus Games Birmingham 2027), John David (SportsETA) and Dr. Igor Lanzoni (JJIF and multiple international federations) join moderator Chris Thompson (You.Smart.Thing) to discuss visitor-centric planning, mobility and accessibility, technology-enabled experiences and how great visitor experience can drive reputation, repeat visitation and long-term legacy for host cities.
 
 
 

This keynote welcome from Host City 2025 is delivered by Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life. Drawing on Glasgow’s experience as a globally recognised host city, Kay reflects on the power of partnership, long-term legacy and collaboration in delivering world-class events. She sets the tone for the conference by welcoming delegates to Glasgow and framing this year’s theme: getting on with the business of events—turning ambition and ideas into lasting economic, social and cultural impact.

This keynote welcome from Host City 2025 is delivered by Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland. Rob highlights the central role of events in driving tourism, economic growth and global connection, reflecting on Scotland’s recent successes across sport, culture and business. He sets out VisitScotland’s Team Scotland approach and looks ahead to a strong pipeline of major events, positioning Scotland as a welcoming, responsible and world-class destination for hosting events that deliver lasting impact.

This Host City 2025 panel, Driving Growth in Major Events, brings together leaders from live entertainment, festivals and multi-sport events to explore how major events can scale sustainably while protecting quality, culture and community value. Jim King (AEG Presents UK & European Festivals), Lori Anderson (Festivals Edinburgh) and Darren Hall (Commonwealth Sport) join moderator Billy Garrett (Glasgow Life) to discuss audience growth, programming and place-making, balancing commercial ambition with public value, and the strategies required to future-proof major events in an increasingly competitive global landscape.