ASVA Conference 2026: Programme

09:45 | Attractions Today: Context, Ambitions & Lessons
What can we learn from attractions at home and further afield?

We’ll open the conference with different perspectives on what it takes to build outstanding visitor experiences, respond to changing expectations and stay ambitious about what attractions can achieve.

Leadership that Empowers Great Experiences
How skills, culture, and vision help teams create better visitor experiences and impact.

Great visitor experiences start with great people. Explore how attractions can create the culture, confidence and skills teams need to consistently deliver at their best.

New experiences, New audiences
How attractions create and deliver ideas that make a difference.

What does it take to turn a new idea into an experience visitors actually want?
Hear examples of attractions developing fresh experiences, reaching different audiences and finding new reasons for people to visit.

Making Every Visit Better
Practical ways teams and volunteers improve the visitor experiences.

Better visitor experiences don’t always require major investment. Discover practical improvements, ideas and approaches that can make a real difference to how visitors feel about their day.

11:55 | Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards
Celebrate some of the outstanding people making a difference across Scotland’s visitor attractions.
✨ Rising Star ✨ Audience Builder ✨ Commercial Excellence ✨ People’s Hero ✨ Experience Maker ✨

Find out about the awards → Sponsored by VisitScotland

Proudly Very Good
How four-star attractions deliver great experiences with confidence and consistency.

Being very good is something to be proud of.
Hear practical examples of how attractions build consistently strong experiences and identify where improvements will have the greatest impact.

Achieving Excellence
Lessons from five-star visitor experiences.

What separates a very good visitor experience from an exceptional one?
Hear lessons and practical ideas from attractions operating at the highest level.

Small Changes, Big Differences
Achievable improvements for attractions building stronger visitor experiences.

You don’t need a huge budget or major redevelopment to make visitors happier.
This session focuses on realistic changes that attractions of all sizes can make.

14:15 | Beyond the Ticket
Growing income through better experiences
A great visitor experience doesn’t end when someone buys their admission ticket.
Explore how attractions are developing additional income through areas including:
Cafés · Retail · Membership · Donations · Events · Premium Experiences · New Commercial Models

15:35 | Transformative Visitor Experiences
Creating memories that last
This interactive session explores the ingredients that turn a good visit into a memorable one, from surprise and storytelling to choice, shared moments and sensory experiences. Expect to do more than simply sit and listen!

16:20 | Winning Tomorrow’s Visitor
What opportunities are emerging for attractions? Where should the sector be ambitious? And how can better experiences help Scotland’s attractions grow?

18:30 | Gala Dinner at The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Delegates who book the evening event can continue the day with drinks, dinner and entertainment at one of Perth’s most distinctive venues.
Sponsored by Timberplay Scotland