Edinburgh, Scotland – a city where history whispers from every cobblestone – will host the much-anticipated 2024 FIDI Conference from 12 to 15 May. As we gear up for FIDI’s highlight event of the year, let’s immerse ourselves in the magic and allure of Edinburgh, a city renowned for its cultural richness and stunning landscapes.

A city steeped in charm and character
Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is a tapestry of ancient history, spectacular architecture, and vibrant cultural scenes. Walking through its streets is like travelling through time, with the majestic Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city as a timeless guardian.

The city’s unique character is shaped by its friendly locals, who are known for their warmth and hospitality – and very particular sense of humour. As the backdrop for the 2024 FIDI Conference, Edinburgh promises an experience infused with tradition and modernity, making it an ideal meeting point for global minds.

…in spite of (or maybe thanks to?) the weather!
Edinburgh is also famous for its unpredictable weather, characterised by a gentle rain that can come suddenly. This rainfall, a typical aspect of the Scottish experience, paints the city’s ancient stones and lush gardens in vibrant hues, offering a fresh and invigorating perspective of the city’s beauty – if you are properly dressed, that is. As the weather is one thing the conference organisers cannot change, we encourage our attendees to embrace this element of Edinburgh’s character.

We highly recommend you bring a sturdy umbrella, a warm rain jacket, and comfortable, waterproof shoes. Most events outside of the conference hotel can be easily reached on foot, and you will get a real feeling for the city by walking up and down its cobbled streets, listening to the Scottish accent.

Highlights of the conference
The 2024 FIDI Conference will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, and is poised to be an unforgettable event, offering a blend of business, networking, and cultural experiences. Some of the highlights are set to include:

A welcome reception at Edinburgh Castle: Kick- off the conference in grand style at the historic Edinburgh Castle. This iconic fortress offers a panoramic view of the city, providing a majestic setting for an unforgettable evening. We will have the castle all to ourselves, so be prepared to be enchanted (and wear comfortable shoes!). Thank you to our Welcome Reception sponsor, AMJ Campbell.

Tour4All – A journey into mystery: Back by popular demand, the Tour4All invites attendees to a location that is so striking that we have decided to keep it a secret. This complimentary social tour is testament to what FIDI does best: providing unforgettable experiences where attendees forge long-lasting relationships and make treasured memories.

Gala dinner at the National Museum of Scotland: The conference will culminate in a spectacular gala dinner at the National Museum of Scotland. This event is not just a feast for the tastebuds, but also a visual and cultural delight, set against the stunning backdrop of this iconic venue.

Making your way to the conference
As excitement builds, it’s important to plan your journey in advance. Registration for the conference opened on 11 December, coinciding with the launch of the conference website, www.fidiconference.org.
Attendees can book their stay at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa at special FIDI rates from this date. Given the limited space in the conference hotel, alternative accommodation with special rates will be available at nearby hotels. We highly recommend that you book as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment!

#icamebytrain

FIDI is doing all it can to limit the environmental impact of our conference, and asks you to help in this endeavour. The FIDI 39 Club is running a project to encourage all attendees, where possible, to make their way to Edinburgh by train instead of flying.

If you are coming from faraway countries and can’t avoid taking a plane, maybe try to avoid connecting flights and join us on our train journey from London to Edinburgh – one of the UK’s most scenic train journeys, which takes in beautiful cities such as York and Durham, and the impressive Northumberland and Scottish coastline. Book yourself a window seat.

FIDI Conferences are more than ‘just’ another industry event, and the next edition in Edinburgh will be no exception. Join us for a celebration of global connections, a fusion of business and culture, and an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most captivating cities.

We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh. Here’s to a conference that promises to be as unforgettable as the city in which it is hosted.

See you in Edinburgh.

For any questions about the FIDI Conference, please visit www.fidiconference.org or contact the FIDI Events team at admin@fidievents.org