ASSC Regional Gathering: Dumfries “Shaping Our Shared Story – The Importance of Storytelling in the Self-Catering Sector”

With Special thanks to our Event Sponsors:

Join Us for the first ASSC Regional Gathering of 2026!

📅 Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026

⏰ Time: 1:15 pm – 5:00 pm

📍 Location: Easterbrook Halls, Dumfries

🔗 View the full programme 🔗 View the agenda 🔗 Book Tickets

Tickets:

ASSC Members – Two free tickets per membership (use your exclusive member promo code)

Non-Members/Additional tickets – £25 + booking fee

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) will open its 2026 programme of Regional Gatherings in Dumfries on 18th March, bringing self-caterers together from across the South of Scotland and further afield, for an afternoon of insight, connection and inspiration.

Regional Gatherings are a cornerstone of the ASSC’s commitment to ensuring members have meaningful opportunities to connect with the ASSC team, engage with fellow operators, and hear directly from expert voices on the issues shaping Scotland’s self-catering sector. Each event combines informed discussion, practical insight and networking, alongside access to a range of exhibitors offering products and services relevant to today’s self-caterers.

At a time when public discussion around self-catering is too often dominated by negative headlines, this event will focus on the power of collective storytelling to change perceptions and highlight the sector’s positive contribution to Scotland’s visitor economy.

Across two panel discussions, speakers will explore how self-caterers can take greater ownership of their story, champion the value they bring to local communities, and communicate in ways that resonate with visitors, partners and decision-makers alike.

What to Expect

✔️ Networking Opportunities – Connect with fellow self-catering operators, industry experts, and ASSC partners.

✔️ Exhibitor Showcase – Explore services and solutions designed to support self-catering businesses.

✔️ Expert-Led Panels & Presentations – Gain valuable insights and take away practical tools for resilience and growth.

✔️ Q&A : Your opportunity to ask questions

Key Sessions at the Event

💬 State of the Nation Update delivered by Fiona Campbell MBE, setting the scene for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

💬 Panel Discussion 1: Shaping Our Shared Story – The Importance of Storytelling

Hosted by Fiona MacConnacher, Booking.com

This discussion brings together perspectives from a visitor attraction, a local operator and a marketing professional to explore how Scotland’s self-catering sector can move beyond simple marketing messages towards storytelling rooted in sustainability, real visitor insight and lived local experience.

At its heart, this session is about changing the narrative and positioning self-catering as a positive, responsible and integral part of Scotland’s tourism landscape.

💬 Panel Discussion 2: A Collective Vision

Hosted by Fiona Campbell MBE, ASSC

This strategic panel brings together national leadership, sector expertise and local economic development to explore how partnership working can strengthen regional tourism and self-catering.

This first Regional Gathering of 2026 marks an important moment for the ASSC and its members, bringing the sector together, strengthening connections, and taking confident steps towards reshaping how self-catering is seen, valued and understood.

Why Attend?

Understand the policies and regulations currently facing Scottish tourism.

Discover actionable steps to become a more responsible and competitive self-catering operator.

Build stronger networks with peers, sector leaders, and suppliers.

Leave with clear, practical takeaways to strengthen your business and prepare for the future.

Event Pricing

ASSC Members: Two tickets for FREE as part of your membership benefits. Please login to find the member promo code here.

Non-Members or Additional Tickets: £25 + Eventbrite fees

Valued Partners: Enjoy complimentary access as part of your partnership benefits. Please login to find the member promo code here.

Join the ASSC Offer: Become an ASSC member after attending this event, and get £25discounted from your first year’s membership fee (valid for up to 10 days after the event). You can explore membership categories and join here.

Additional Information

Refunds available up to 7 days before the event (Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable).

If booking more than one ticket, please add each ticket holder’s name as name badges will be printed.

Your name and company name may be shared with our event partners, where relevant to the event.

Photos will be taken at this event for marketing purposes.

If you would like to exhibit at this event, please email anna@assc.co.uk for more information.