Visit the Gathering
On this page, you'll find information about coming to the Gathering.
We'll open bookings for the Gathering programme in early December 2024. Don't forget, if you're an SCVO member, you'll have first look at the programme and the first pick of bookings.
The Gathering takes place on 4th and 5th February 2025 and is free to attend - everyone is welcome! To make the most of the buzz on the day and all our networking opportunities, we hope that you'll be able to join us in person.
We'll be offering free online access to our most popular events and sessions again this year at the Gathering Extra to make sure that as many people as possible can access our event content and insights. The Gathering Extra will take place during the week beginning 3rd March 2025 (exact date to be confirmed).
Sign up for Gathering updates so you're among the first to receive Gathering news and updates in the lead-up to the event.
Alex Thomson,We can’t wait to welcome you to Scotland’s biggest celebration of the voluntary sector at Edinburgh’s EICC on 4th and 5th February 2025 and at the Gathering Extra. At the Gathering you’ll have the chance to learn, network, showcase your work and be inspired!
Events & training manager, SCVO
About the venue and getting to the Gathering
The Gathering is being held at the EICC in Edinburgh on 4th and 5th February 2025. The address is 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE. View location on Google Maps.
We’ve chosen the EICC as our venue because it has good transport links. Please use public transport, walking, cycling or wheeling to get to the venue if you can. If you’re travelling from out with Edinburgh and public transport is not an option for you perhaps consider car sharing with other organisations from your local area.
SCVO is committed to making the Gathering greener, to help us reduce our carbon footprint and to take positive climate action. With that in mind, as well as encouraging you to consider your mode of transport carefully, we're making a number of actions to make this year's event a greener Gathering.
Visit the EICC website where you can find lots of helpful information including how to get there and on-site facilities, including free WiFi for all visitors, helping you stay connected throughout your visit to the Gathering.
If travel to Edinburgh is not an option for you, you can catch up on the most popular sessions from the comfort of your own home online with the Gathering Extra. We'll be confirming a date for the Gathering Extra 2025 soon.
Venue accessibility
The EICC is a fully-accessible events venue, designed to be inclusive to all people.
You can find all of the EICC’s accessibility information here, including information about:
- Accessible travel options
- Accessible parking
- Access to lifts
- Toilet facilities
- Autism Friendly Visitors' Guide.
You can also view venue layout maps and take a virtual tour ahead of your visit.
If you need any other information or help at any stage, please get in touch and let us know - we're happy to help.
An accessible and inclusive Gathering
We want the Gathering 2025 to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We are applying a range of accessibility measures as standard. And we warmly invite you to tell us about your needs so we can address those too wherever possible.
You can tell us about your accessibility needs when you book to attend the Gathering (from early December 2024 onwards) or by emailing our Gathering team.
If you need to speak to us on the day about any accessibility or inclusivity questions, please contact the SCVO team at the main registration desk as you enter the EICC. Our team will be happy to listen and help.
Catering at the venue
Cash catering is available throughout the venue and will be exclusively vegetarian. You are also welcome to bring your own food. At the Gathering 2025, we've introduced more catering stations and more places to sit while you grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Don't forget to bring along your own reusable cups and water bottles too to help us make it a Greener Gathering!
Staying in Edinburgh
There are lots of accommodation options to choose from in Edinburgh, so we’ve teamed up with Conference Care to help you with your search!
Browse hotels with the best availability and rates for attending the Gathering and find accommodation that suits your needs.
Planning your time at the Gathering
Before the Gathering, head to your My SCVO account to:
- View your bookings, check event timings and event details
- Sign up for more events if you fancy squeezing even more into your day(s)
- Cancel a booking for any sessions you won't be able to attend
When you arrive at the Gathering, please make your way to the main registration desk where you’ll be given a copy of the Gathering guide with everything you need to know, and a name badge.
If you're planning on heading along to our exhibition, the opening times are as follows:
Tuesday 7 November - 9am to 4pm
Wednesday 8 November - 9am to 3pm
Get in touch
Got a question about the Gathering? Contact our team, we'd love to hear from you!
