Located on Morrison Street in West Central Edinburgh, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is located a half-mile (0.8 km) southwest of Princes Street. Completed in 1995, the purpose-built centre was formally opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 5th July 1996 and represents the city's premier venue for conferences, conventions and exhibitions with up to 2000 delegates. The distinctive circular building was the work of architect Sir Terry Farrell and comprises a series of flexible spaces, named after Scottish hill ranges. Most notably is the Pentland Suite which consists of a 1200-seater auditorium at the highest level of the building. This can be divided at the touch of a button into three distinct theatres, with banks of seating rotating to form the Fintry and Sidlaw Auditoria, each accommodating 300 people.
The entrance area is known as the Strathblane Hall and can hold receptions for up to 850 people, or 500 if seated for dinner. Behind the entrance hall, the Lomond Suite holds 600, or can be divided into three separate rooms (known as Tinto, Kilsyth and Moorfoot), each holding 200 people. Above, the Galloway Suite comprises three rooms (Carrick, Harris and Ochil), each with a capacity of 100 people, but which can be subdivided into smaller spaces. Finally, the Cromdale Hall represents 1185 sq. m (12,755 sq. feet) of exhibition space, which can accommodate 1200 people for a reception or 500 if set out for meetings.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting took place in the EICC in 1997, while other important events held here include the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in 2006, which was opened by HRH the Princess Royal. Notable visitors have included UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, South African President Nelson Mandela and US Vice President Al Gore. Events include business, financial, travel, academic and medical conferences and meetings, together with media events, gala dinners and fashion shows. The EICC is also used as a venue for both the Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The centre is operated by an independently-managed company, owned by the City of Edinburgh Council. The conference centre is being expanded to the east, creating additional function space including breakout areas, a cafe and office accommodation.
