SMG Europe to manage has been appointed to manage the existing Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) ahead of a move to its new purpose-built home in 2019.
The partnership with Aberdeen City Council follows last year’s announcement that SMG Europe has been awarded preferred bidder status to manage, operate and programme the new £333 million complex, located near Aberdeen International Airport.
The new state-of-the art venue will include a 12,500-capacity arena with a moveable stage, hospitality boxes and club lounge, 50,000m2 of flexible exhibition space, conference centre, three hotels and its own energy centre.
“SMG’s expertise in driving multi-purpose exhibition, conference and entertainment content is second to none and we’re delighted to bring this portfolio of experience, international industry contacts and innovative thinking to both the existing and new AECC," said John Sharkey, SMG EVP of European Operations.
SMG Europe’s portfolio of UK arenas also includes Manchester Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena, Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena and the new Bristol Arena. It has also been awarded preferred bidder status to run Hull's new 3,500-capacity venue, set to open in 2018.
