P&J Live shines a light on Aberdeen’s diverse industry sectors as associations choose the city for health, life sciences, agrifood and civic events

Long recognised as Europe’s energy capital, Aberdeen is fast building a reputation across a range of knowledge-led sectors.

P&J Live, operated by Legends Global welcomed a significant line-up of non-energy conferences and congresses last autumn, each reinforcing the region’s strengths in health and life sciences, agrifood and public policy, while advancing the ambitions of the Northeast of Scotland’s Regional Economic Strategy.

Events included:

• The UK Congress on Obesity: 10–11 September 2025; 280 delegates
• The Association of Anaesthetists Annual Congress: 17–19 September 2025; 700 delegates
• The European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI) Annual Scientific Meeting: 25–27 September 2025; 2,000 delegates
• Scottish National Party Annual Conference: 11–13 October 2025
• Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Annual Conference: 19–20 November 2025; 400 delegates
• UK Stroke Forum - 20th Anniversary Conference: 25–27 November 2025; 2,000 delegates

The surge in healthcare and life sciences conferences is supported by a local knowledge economy rooted in the hospitals and the University of Aberdeen. These are key reasons EUSOBI is heading to Aberdeen this year, as explained by Professor Gerald Lip, Clinical Director, North East of Scotland Breast Screening Programme and local ambassador who led the bid: “Bringing EUSOBI to Aberdeen recognises the region’s world-class credentials in breast imaging and data-driven diagnostics. Our clinical and academic community, spanning the University of Aberdeen, hospitals and private companies, is pushing boundaries in AI-enabled screening, and we’re thrilled to share that innovation with colleagues from across Europe at P&J Live.”

For perioperative medicine, Aberdeen offers both the scale and practicality that modern congresses demand. Zack Puttock Head of Education and Events at the Association of Anaesthetists commented: “Annual Congress 2025 is designed to maximise learning, debate and hands-on skills. P&J Live provides the flexible spaces our programme needs, from high-impact plenaries to interactive workshops, and the city’s collaborative approach offers a welcoming setting for our community to come together.”

Earlier in May 2025, Aberdeen also hosted the International Family Therapy Association Congress and PCST 2025 - Public Communication of Science and Technology, further broadening the city’s credentials in health, wellbeing and science communication.

Delivering on the region’s strategy, with conferences as a catalyst, P&J Live’s pipeline will deliver significant value to the region far beyond just the delegate spend:

• Health & Life Sciences / Healthy & Skilled Population: UK Congress on Obesity, Association of Anaesthetists, EUSOBI and the UK Stroke Forum will deliver major clinical learning, skill development and research exchange in Aberdeen.
• Visitor Economy / Thriving Economy: Hosting the SNP Annual Conference underlines Aberdeen’s capacity for major civic events, driving national media attention and significant economic impact across hotels, hospitality and transport.
• Food, Drink & Agrifood: The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust’s conference showcases North-east Scotland’s agrifood ecosystem and rural leadership, from primary production to innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Community & Cultural Identity: International gatherings such as PCST and the International Family Therapy Congress build global connections and celebrate Aberdeen’s outward-looking, knowledge-sharing culture.

Steve Daun, head of sales – Associations, Legends Global added: “Aberdeen’s long-term future lies in diversification, both within the energy sector and the other key sectors identified in the Regional Economic Strategy that offer high value economic activity. The recent calendar, spanning obesity research, anaesthesia, breast imaging, national policy, agrifood and stroke care, shows the depth of our regional strengths and the versatility of our venue and city. With seamless space for plenaries, parallel sessions and exhibitions, plus two on-site hotels and excellent connectivity, we’re proud to host events that support the region’s economic strategy and leave a lasting skills and knowledge legacy.”

Laura Wilson, Head of Convention Bureau, Aberdeen Convention Bureau concluded: “Together with P&J Live and our academic and clinical partners, we’re showcasing the breadth of Aberdeen’s strengths beyond energy. The months ahead bring world-leading health and life sciences, agrifood and civic debate to a destination that is compact, connected and collaborative. From our universities and NHS partners to a thriving community and vibrant cultural scene, Aberdeen makes it easy for people and ideas to come together.”