Amplify
Edinburgh, 9 — 11 July 2025
Amplify
Edinburgh, 9 — 11 July 2025
The AMA Conference social events offer you the chance to re-charge and build your networks
This year delegates need to book their social and networking options as some socials have limited capacity and will be subject to availability.
You can explore an book all your choices below.
Wednesday 9 July
Uncovering stories with Festivals Edinburgh — walking tour
Join Festivals Edinburgh for a free, leisurely walk around the world-leading festival city to uncover stories that speak to Edinburgh’s innovation, experience, and authenticity.
This walk will take place at 6pm – 7pm on Wednesday 9 July – ahead of that evening’s themed network events – from outside the Usher Hall on Lothian Road in central Edinburgh, in the company of James McVeigh, Head of Innovation and Marketing at Festivals Edinburgh.
Welcome drinks
Arriving the night before Conference? Then why not join us at one of our small, themed, networking events?
A welcome drink is included in your AMA Conference ticket cost, with plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives available, and there will be opportunities to pay for any additional refreshments too.
Taking place from 8pm – 9.30pm and hosted by the AMA and friends, it’s your chance to start building your Conference network before the main event kicks off on Thursday.
The welcome drinks will be co-hosted by our friends over at: Art Fund, Cog Design, Tessitura, The Audience Agency, Ten4, Ticketsolve, Tixly and Substrakt.
Conference first-timers
First time at the AMA Conference? Join some of the AMA team and our co-hosts Tessitura to meet some friendly faces and get to know a few people before the Conference begins.
Location: Pilgrim Bar, 3 Robertson’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1LY
LGBTQIA+
Hosted by some of the AMA team, and our cohosts Cog Design, join us for a drink in a space dedicated to our LGBTQIA+ delegates.
Location: CC Blooms, 23-24 Calton Sq, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
Scottish-based organisations and friends
Want to connect with your fellow Scotland-based colleagues, or just meet some other conference-goers? Join the AMA team and our cohosts The Audience Agency for a first-night drink to celebrate being in Edinburgh together.
Everyone is welcome — whether you’re Scotland-based or not.
Location: Copper Blossom, 107 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3BG
Introverts
If you’re not a natural networker, this meet-up might be the one for you. The AMA will be hosting alongside Tixly for an evening of social darts and engage in some friendly games-based competition. We’ll structure networking around the dart games in groups, to give a strong focus for the conversations.
Location: Flight Club Edinburgh, 300-306 Level 3, St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
Leaders and Senior Marketers
A networking event to support you in meeting with other leaders throughout the sector. You’ll be welcomed by some of the AMA’s leadership team, and our cohosts Ticketsolve.
Location: Juniper Bar, Hotel Indigo, 20 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN
Museums and Galleries
For our dedicated Museums and Galleries marketers, join the AMA team and our cohosts Art Fund for a welcome drink, and a good chat about all things Museums and Galleries.
Location: Lady Libertine, 25 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
Marketing & Comms
Interested in chatting all things Marketing and Comms? Join some of the AMA team and our cohosts Ten4 at this networking event for a first-night drink.
Location: The Press Bar, The Scotsman Hotel, 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR
Digital Marketing Roles
Are you keen to chat all things digital? If you want to meet people who do what you do, then join the AMA team and cohosts Substrakt for a drink and a good natter, and build a network of other digital pros.
Location: Red Squirrel, 21 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ
Thursday 10 July
Freelancers lunch
Are you a freelance marketer or interested in becoming a freelancer? Join us to network with your peers over lunch during the Conference.
This is an opportunity for you to discuss the highs and lows of your work over some tasty food, making connections with others who understand what it takes to be an arts and cultural freelancer.
No need to RSVP, all freelancers welcome.
Start time: 12:30pm
Location: EICC — Moorfoot room (there will be signage in the venue to point you in the right direction)
Spektrix Ginterval
You’re invited to the Spektrix Ginterval at this year’s AMA Conference. Join us after the Keynote on Thursday to sip, chat and let the highlights of the day settle before heading out for the evening.
No need to RSVP, just bring your glorious self.
Start time: 4:10pm
Location: EICC — Exhibition space
Summer Social at Dovecot Studios
Celebrate the mid-way point of the AMA Conference at our Summer Social.
This year’s main event will take place at Dovecot Studios, a beautiful tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh and a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design.
This is the social for you if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and would love to meet lots of people. You’ll get the change to do some serious networking, and also try your hand at weaving too.
Your food and a welcome drink are included in your AMA Conference ticket cost, and there will be a cash and card bar available for any additional refreshments.
Start time: 7pm
Cultural Social at the Fruitmarket Gallery
Sponsored by Art Fund.
Come together with other culture-lovers to spend the evening in the iconic Fruitmarket Gallery, a contemporary cultural space in the heart of Edinburgh.
Join us — along with our cohosts Art Fund — for drinks, food, and a chance to enjoy a gorgeous gallery space, with a smaller – but still sociable – group of people. You’ll get 30 minutes of exclusive access to British artist Mike Nelson’s immersive installation at the gallery, so be sure to arrive on time!
Your food and a welcome drink are included in your AMA Conference ticket cost, and there will be a cash and card bar available for any additional refreshments.
Start time: 7pm
Destination Dinners
Our Destination Dinners are a brilliant way to network with a small group of people in a quieter setting, perfect for those looking for great dinner conversation.
All food at the dinners will be included in your AMA Conference ticket cost. There may be additional costs for drinks, depending on the dinner you sign up to.
Taking place in a selection of restaurants across Edinburgh for up to 10 people each. Locations include:
David Bann
Just off the Historic Royal Mile, David Bann serves only vegetarian and vegan food, combining authentic Scottish traditions with influences from around the world in a minimalist, welcoming setting.
Start time: 7pm
Location: 56-58 St Mary’s St, Edinburgh EH1 1SX
Harajuku Kitchen
Harajuku Kitchen serves up authentic sushi and wholesome Japanese food crafted with passion. Set in a small, restaurant with vibrant art work, Harajaku is multi-award winning, including a 2025 AA Rosette.
Start time: 7pm
Location: 10 Gillespie Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HS
Ka Pao
An innovative menu of sharing plates from South-East Asia with bold flavours and a delicious bespoke cocktail menu. This booking is for the set sharing menu.
Start time: 7pm
Location: St James Cres, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
Vittoria on the Bridge
Mixing locally sourced produce with authentic Italian ingredients, Vittoria on the Bridge brings a taste of Italy to Edinburgh. Enjoy comforting Italian dishes from their set Pronto menu in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town.
Start time: 7pm
Location: 19 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN
Scott’s Kitchen
“Scottish, seasonal and seriously tasty.” If you’re looking to try delicious Scottish food made with local produce, you’ve found your place. Enjoy a small menu of classic dishes overlooking Old Town.
Start time: 7pm
Location: 4-6 Victoria Ter, Edinburgh EH1 2JL
Solti
A mixture of Napali and Indian cuisine with rare spices and exotic flavours, Solti dishes up a menu of mouthwatering classics alongside chef specials. Located in Old Town.
Start time: 7pm
Location: 10 Drummond St, Edinburgh EH8 9TU
Edinburgh Street Food
If you like to have a choice of cuisines in a (very) instagrammable location then Edinburgh Street Food is the place for you. Multiple food options in an indoor/outdoor street food venue close to St James Quarter.
Start time: 7.30pm
Location: Leith St, Edinburgh EH1 3AU
Indaba
A Tapas menu providing an exciting blend of South African and Spanish flavours in one laidback eatery.
Start time: 7.30pm
Location: 3 Lochrin Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 9QJ
Mariachi
A vibrant family-run restaurant serving up delicious Mexican dishes, ranging from traditional family plates, to street food and Tex-Mex. Think tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.
Start time: 7pm
Location: 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HE
SEN Vietnamese
Contemporary Vietnamese food made from a combination of locally sourced Scottish produce and authentic herbs and spices brought back directly from slow drying in the Vietnamese sunshine.
Start time: 7.30pm
Location: 41 W Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DB
Friday 11 July
Early-morning Edinburgh Running Tour
Want to get together with a small group of other conference-goers for an early-morning endorphin-fuelled running tour around the heart of Edinburgh?
Start your day with a 7km social run whilst seeing the sights, and give yourself a boost before you start your Conference day.
Meet time: 7:30am
Location: TBC — we will get in touch with more details closer to the Conference.
Image Credits:
2 — AMA Conference 2022 (c) AMA
3 — AMA Conference 2019 (c) Marion Botella
4 — AMA Conference 2024 (c) Kitty Lineker, Lineker Photography
5 — AMA Conference 2019 (c) Marion Botella
6 — AMA Conference 2024 (c) Kitty Lineker, Lineker Photography
With thanks to our Lead Sponsors:
With thanks to our Supporting Sponsors:
With thanks to our Conference Online Sponsor:
