Visit the Gathering =================== Sign up for updates on the Gathering 2027. We'll email you as plans develop, the programme takes shape and bookings open. [Subscribe to Gathering updates](https://scvo.activehosted.com/f/28) **Delegate bookings will open for SCVO members in December 2026. We'll open general bookings in January 2027.** **If you'd like to book an exhibition space, apply to host an event, offer a fun activity or volunteer at the Gathering 2027, please head to our [Get Involved](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/get-involved) page for all the details.** About the venue and getting to the Gathering -------------------------------------------- The Gathering is being held at the EICC in Edinburgh on 2nd and 3rd February 2027. The address is 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE. **[View location on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Edinburgh+International+Conference+Centre/@55.9459659,-3.2116879,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x4887c7a24e9f314b:0x6a683e2a56a2235c!4m6!3m5!1s0x4887c7a3b36f1d59:0x8e1efde2c5173ff1!8m2!3d55.9459629!4d-3.2094992!16zL20vMGdjZmYx)**.   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 - use our [**You.Smart.Thing link**](https://travel.yousmartthing.com/the_gathering_2025) to help plan your route to the EICC. 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. [**Visit the EICC website**](https://www.eicc.co.uk/) where you can find lots of helpful information including **[how to get there](http://eicc.co.uk/visiting/how-to-get-here/)** and on-site facilities, including **free WiFi** for all visitors, helping you stay connected throughout your visit to the Gathering. 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](/the-gathering/greener-gathering) [](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/greener-gathering)[Gathering](/the-gathering/greener-gathering)**. **Arrival and attending events** -------------------------------- We can't wait to welcome you! When you first arrive, head to our Welcome desk at the main doors of the EICC to get yourself set up for the day. There you can write your name badge to share your name, pronouns and organisation with other delegates. You’ll find signage and maps near the registration desks to help you familiarise yourself with where your sessions will be taking place. You can also view the **[venue layout maps and take a virtual tour](https://www.eicc.co.uk/organising/the-venue/#filter=layout)** ahead of your visit. We’re looking forward to welcoming over 3,000 delegates over both days. To avoid queues when attending sessions, we recommend arriving at your event room early. To prevent congestion around the venue between sessions, we encourage you to use the stairs if you can. This will help keep lifts free for those who need them. The venue also has escalators that switch directions in between sessions to take you quickly to and from your events. We've also staggered the start and end times of some events to ease the flow of people. An accessible and inclusive Gathering ------------------------------------- We want the Gathering 2027 to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We are applying a range of **[accessibility measures](/the-gathering/access-inclusion)** 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, or at any time by **[emailing our Gathering team](mailto:gathering@scvo.scot)**. Delegate bookings for members will open in December 2026. 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](https://www.eicc.co.uk/visiting/disability-access/)**, 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](https://www.eicc.co.uk/organising/the-venue/#filter=layout)** ahead of your visit.   Bursaries for Black and racially minoritised-led organisations -------------------------------------------------------------- This year, we are pleased to be supported by the Corra Foundation to fund travel and subsistence bursaries to support staff, volunteers, and community members from Black and racially minoritised-led organisations. This reflects Corra Foundation's commitment to amplifying voices and enabling participation in spaces that shape Scotland's voluntary sector. Racial equity and racial justice are fundamental to Corra Foundation’s strategy. Part of Corra’s approach is ensuring that organisations that are led by Black and racially minoritised people are resourced, represented, and meaningfully included. The Corra Foundation does this through their funding programmes, but also through targeted initiatives to ensure equitable access to wider opportunities. ![](https://files.scvo.scot/2025/12/4472-Corra-Strapline-Full-Colour-1.png) Bursaries are limited to two people per Black and racially minoritised led organisation on a first-come, first-served basis. SCVO has reserved spaces for Black and racially minoritised led organisations across all sessions and workshops. When booking, please tick to confirm if you meet the criteria and our team will be in touch. Catering at the venue --------------------- Catering is available throughout the venue and will be exclusively vegetarian, with vegan and non-gluten-containing options available. Please note that catering stations will only accept card payments. You can find the menu **[here](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/greener-gathering#food).** You are also welcome to bring your own food. At the Gathering 2026, 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](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/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**](https://go.tripstaxhotels.com/?ptoken=2a0db1c8-6c00-4944-a3e4-316857a1fec4&in=08.02.2026&out=11.02.2026&city=EH38EE&radius=2) 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](https://my.scvo.scot/)** 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](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors)**, the opening times are as follows: Tuesday 10th February - 9am to 4pm Wednesday 11th February - 9am to 3pm ### Fun activities to get involved with Enjoy some down time at the Gathering and support your wellbeing at one of our fun and interactive activities. We've got lots to choose from including: * [Health walks with Walking Scotland](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/walking-scotland) * [Clothing swap shop with R:evolve Recycle](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/revolve-recycle) * [A pop-up library with CILIPS](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/cilips) * [Vision board creation with Katie Adams Coaching](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/katie-adams-coaching) * [Needle-felting card making with Homelands Trust](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/homelands-trust) * [The chance to meet medical assistant trained dogs with Yogi & Cindy Bears service dogs](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/yogi-cindy-bears-service-dogs) * [Guided tours with Invisible Cities](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/invisible-cities) * [A Kathak dance performance from Jhankar Beats](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/jhankar-beats) * [A choir performance from Down's Syndrome Scotland](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/downs-syndrome-scotland) * [Doggy Bingo with Dogs for Good](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/exhibitors/dogs-for-good) ### Get in touch Got a question about the Gathering? **[Contact our team](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/contact)**, we'd love to hear from you! --- ## About SCVO SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector. Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact. SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector. Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners. Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored, learning opportunities. SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience. Discounts and savings savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org). For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)