The SEC Glasgow, or Scottish Event Campus Glasgow, is one of the UK’s most iconic and versatile event venues. Located on the banks of the River Clyde, the SEC has grown over the years to become a hub for conferences, exhibitions, concerts and other world-class events. Its combination of state-of-the-art facilities, a rich history and a stunning riverside location makes it a standout choice for event organisers in Scotland and beyond.
Originally opened in 1985 as the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, the campus has undergone several transformations to become the impressive venue it is today. The SEC Glasgow now boasts multiple venues, including the SEC Centre, the Ovo Hydro and the Armadillo, each catering to different types and sizes of events. This diversity allows the campus to host everything from small business meetings to large-scale international conferences and major entertainment events.
The SEC Centre serves as the heart of the campus, offering five interconnected exhibition and event halls. These halls are highly adaptable, making them ideal for exhibitions, trade shows and conventions. The Ovo Hydro, a striking domed structure, is Scotland’s largest entertainment venue, capable of hosting up to 14,300 attendees. It has welcomed some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, cementing its reputation as a top destination for global performers. Meanwhile, the Armadillo, with its unique, ship-like design, provides a more intimate setting with a capacity of around 3,000 – perfect for concerts, conferences and theatrical productions.
The flexibility and scale of the SEC Glasgow make it a premier venue, but even a facility of this size occasionally requires additional resources for its events. Large-scale conferences and exhibitions often mean topping up on furniture hire for SEC events, such as tables and chairs for banquets, lounge furniture for networking spaces or poseur tables and coffee tables for VIP suites. Glasgow furniture hire companies often work closely with the SEC to provide these items, ensuring that every event is tailored to the needs of its attendees.
Catering equipment hire for SEC events is another essential service, especially for the numerous high-profile conferences and galas held at the venue. With thousands of delegates and guests to serve, additional refrigeration equipment like modular cold rooms or refrigerated trailers may be required to supplement existing facilities. Glasgow catering equipment hire companies play a vital role in ensuring that food and drink are served efficiently and at the highest standards, no matter the scale of the event.
The SEC Glasgow isn’t just about size and facilities – it’s about the wide variety of events it hosts. From hosting international conferences like COP26 to staging unforgettable concerts by global superstars, the SEC consistently delivers world-class experiences. It’s also a popular choice for trade shows, sporting events and public exhibitions, drawing attendees from across Scotland, the UK and beyond. The venue’s versatility is one of its strongest assets, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to different industries and audiences.
One of the reasons the SEC remains a top-tier venue is its commitment to continuous improvement. The campus is constantly evolving, with recent developments focusing on sustainability and enhancing the visitor experience. The Ovo Hydro Glasgow, for instance, has become one of the world’s most sustainable arenas, aligning with the SEC’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility. These efforts ensure that the venue remains competitive on a global scale, attracting new events and audiences year after year. Their reusable cup system, for instance, is a great example of this.
Glasgow itself plays an essential role in the SEC’s success. The city is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, friendly atmosphere and excellent transport links, making it an attractive destination for event organisers and attendees alike. With Glasgow catering equipment hire and furniture hire services readily available, the city offers everything needed to support large-scale events at the SEC. These local suppliers help ensure that every event runs smoothly, no matter how complex the requirements.
With its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, we’re sure that the SEC Glasgow will remain a cornerstone of Scotland’s event industry for years to come.
