The AMA Conference social events offer you the chance to re-charge and build your networks 

The main socials take place on Thursday 9 July, with various starting times. Delegates will have the option to choose either the Summer Social, a Cultural Social or a Destination Dinner as their main social.

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 all your choices below.


Wednesday 9 July

Image of Edinburgh Castle

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.

Please note: This social is now fully booked.

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 Network, The Audience Agency, Ticketsolve, Tixly and Substrakt.

3 AMA team members having a drink & a chat

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.  

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.  

Scottish-based organisations

Want to connect with your fellow Scotland-based colleagues? Join some of the AMA team and our cohosts The Audience Agency for a first-night drink to celebrate being in Edinburgh together. 

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.

Leaders and Senior Marketers

A networking event to support you in meeting with other leaders throughout the sector. The AMA’s CEO, Cath, will be welcoming you to this event, along with other senior members of the AMA team, and our cohosts Ticketsolve

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. 

Marketing & Comms

Interested in chatting all things Marketing and Comms? Join some of the AMA team and our cohosts Ten4 Design at this networking event for a first-night drink. 

Digital 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.


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.

Freelancers having lunch at Conference
A table with cans of drink ready to be taken by delegates

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.

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.  

Conference delegates at a social event
3 delegates sat at a table, socialising

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.

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.  

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:

A close up of a dinner table at a restaurant

David Bann

Harajuku Kitchen

Ka Pao

Vittoria on the Bridge

Scott’s Kitchen

Solti

Edinburgh Street Food 

Indaba

Mariachi


Friday 11 July

A woman jogging at sunrise

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.

Please note: This social is now fully booked.


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

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