Conference, event and concert business is showing strong signs of recovery according to the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre’s (SECC) latest financial figures released today, contributing to the venue’s annual turnover of £18.1m and its £502k operating profit which increased by a massive 120% on the previous year.

The latest financial results, covering the period April 2010 to March 2011, saw a 9% increase in annual turnover during which time the venue hosted 218 events and welcomed approximately 1.26 million visitors through its doors.

Making up 37% of the venue turnover, conference business showed the strongest growth in financial and delegate terms with the venue hosting 58 conferences, an 18% increase on the previous year with a 33% increase on delegates and a 35% increase in delegate days.

Hosting world class music acts such as Kylie Minogue and leading consumer shows including the Scottish Golf Show, concerts and events contributed 41% to annual turnover, and remained strong with an 11% increase in unique events over 315 open days, bringing in 980,906 visitors to the venue.

John Sharkey, Chief Executive of the SECC said: “These results are enormously encouraging for us, and attracting this significant business is testament to the unrivalled facilities and hospitality that we have here at the SECC, our dedicated and committed team and of course the close ties we have with our city partners throughout Glasgow.

“It is an exciting time with The Scottish Hydro Arena opening in 2013, making us the only venue in Europe to have a purpose built exhibition centre, conference centre and arena on one site.  This will allow us to free up space in our existing halls and further grow the business across all sectors.”