Legacy in the events industry is nothing new. It has been a talking point for years with many organisers aspiring to leave a meaningful mark on the communities they touch. But while the ambition exists, the challenge has always been in the execution.
How do you translate good intentions into tangible, lasting impact?
The answer lies in the EICC Impact Network. Rather than leaving event legacy to chance, this framework provides event organisers with a practical, structured approach to integrating legacy and impact into their conferences.
“For years legacy has been a buzzword in the industry, but it hasn’t always come with a clear roadmap. That’s where the Impact Network comes in.”
- Elaine Miller, EICC
“We were looking for a way to turn lofty aspirations into real-world outcomes,” shared Elaine Miller, Associations Business Development Manager at the EICC. “For years legacy has been a buzzword in the industry, but it hasn’t always come with a clear roadmap. That’s where the Impact Network comes in. It bridges the gap between intention and action.”
Rather than expecting organisers to build partnerships from scratch, the EICC Impact Network connects them with trusted local charities, community initiatives and social enterprises. These ready-to-go opportunities make it easy to tailor impact to the theme or purpose of the event - whether that’s mentorship, sustainability, education or public health.
The result? Impact & legacy become part of the process, not a postscript.
Making impact easier: The logistics of the EICC Impact Network
One of the biggest barriers to embedding legacy into events has been the perceived complexity. Organisers often have the desire to do more but struggle with the how: How to identify the right local partners; how to set realistic goals; how to make a real difference without overwhelming their teams.
The EICC Impact Network simplifies this process by offering:
Pre-established partnerships with local organisations ensuring event organisers don’t have to build relationships from scratch.
Curated impact opportunities tailored to the event’s theme and audience. Whether it’s a skills-sharing initiative, a mentorship programme or a sustainability drive, the EICC helps match events with meaningful contributions.
Guidance and facilitation so that legacy isn’t just an afterthought but a seamless part of the event planning process.
“We take away the guesswork,” Elaine explains. “Instead of organisers having to figure out where they can make a difference, we bring the opportunities to them. It’s about making impact easy, achievable and scalable.”
Case studies: The Impact Network in action
The EICC Impact Network may be new, but EICC’s track record in facilitating legacy events already shows what’s possible:
The British Hip Society:
The Society aimed to inspire students to explore careers in orthopaedic surgery. With support from the EICC, it partnered with a range of schools across Edinburgh to run workshops and career insight sessions that broadened access and raised aspirations. The initiative was so successful it became a model for future conferences. When the Society hosted its next event in Belfast the programme was significantly expanded, increasing its reach and deepening its impact. (Read full case study)
Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP):
The ACNAP conference in Edinburgh was a standout example of how business events can drive meaningful community impact. Working closely with the EICC team, ACNAP introduced public heart health screenings, an EICC Live talk on heart health and policy, a walking tour and a fun run - all in support of the British Heart Foundation. The event was the first to receive recognition through Edinburgh’s new Business Events Shaping Tomorrow (BEST) initiative, highlighting its lasting benefit to the local community. The awareness campaign also helped catalyse the launch of a new specialist heart clinic pilot at Forth Valley Hospital for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a condition which mainly affects women. (Read full case study)
European Sleep Research Conference Collaboration:
After attending the Impact Network launch, the EICC helped connect an organiser with homelessness charity Cyrenians. They’re now discussing how to create a positive impact together when the conference comes to Edinburgh - a collaboration that wouldn’t have happened without the network introduction.
“It was so fab to be a part of today's launch. Thank you so much for all your prep, support and enthusiasm. It’s wonderful that the Network is already cranking into action with the connection between Cyrenians and the European Sleep Conference. How exciting!”
- Sophie Bell, Cyrenians
These examples demonstrate that impact & legacy doesn’t have to be difficult - with the right framework in place.
The future: Making impact & legacy a standard, not an afterthought
As the demand for purpose-driven events grows, the EICC Impact Network is helping organisers move from good intentions to structured, achievable impact. And the EICC isn’t stopping there. Alongside the Impact Network, organisers can tap into additional resources designed to make events more impactful and inclusive at every level:
The Neurodiversity Toolkit - Focused on making events more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals, this toolkit offers best practices for communication, sensory-friendly environments, scheduling considerations and staff training, ensuring all delegates can participate fully and comfortably.
For years, the events industry has been driven by numbers. Attendance figures, ticket sales, sponsorship revenue - and while these metrics remain important, the Impact Network aims to measure success by its impact and help event organisers do the same.
The future of events is not just about bringing people together. It’s about what they can do together. And with the EICC Impact Network, legacy isn’t a hope. It’s a plan.