Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

08 May 2026 at 09:16

Tender

11 Feb 2026 at 14:01

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process for the "Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen" has been completed, with the University awarding the contract to Wavemakers Live. This project pertains to the event services industry and encompasses both summer and potential winter graduation events. Located in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, the summer graduation ceremonies are scheduled for 29th June to 3rd July 2026. The University may also host winter graduations, expected between 23rd and 27th November 2026, subject to approval. The contract, beginning on 1st June 2026, spans one year with the possibility of three one-year extensions, providing a long-term partnership opportunity dependent on mutual agreement. The procurement was conducted under an open procedure, adhering to the legal basis set by Directive 2014/24/EU. Key dates involved in the tender period include the end date of 16th March 2026, with an award made shortly afterwards.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in event management services, particularly those that are equipped to operate in high-profile academic settings. Given the scale and recurring nature of the graduation ceremonies, the contract is well-suited for businesses capable of delivering quality and innovative event solutions. With a substantial contract value of £480,000, this serves as an attractive growth opportunity for companies focusing on high-end event management, especially small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that can demonstrate excellence in technical skill and competitive pricing. The successful contract with Wavemakers Live underscores the potential for SMEs to excel in public procurement markets by continually proving their capabilities and expanding their service portfolio within the educational sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen

Notice Description

The University requires a main contractor to support the delivery of the summer graduation ceremonies, hosted in a marquee setting on King's Lawn. Working alongside the appointed marquee provider, the contractor will be expected to deliver a high-quality event experience that reflects the significance and profile of graduation within the University's academic calendar. The summer graduation ceremonies for 2026 will take place between 29th June and 3rd July 2026 (inclusive). In addition to the summer ceremonies, the University may require events services for the Winter Graduation ceremonies during the contract period. Winter graduation support at this stage is subject to university approval during the term of the contract. If approved, winter graduation ceremonies are anticipated to take place between 23rd and 27th November, with ceremonies expected to occur on 24th - 26th November. Winter graduations are smaller in scale and will be hosted inside Elphinstone Hall, Old Aberdeen Campus. The anticipated contract period is 1 year, commencing 1st June 2026. Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, the University reserves the option to extend the contract for up to three additional periods of 1 year each.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University requires a main contractor to support the delivery of the summer graduation ceremonies, hosted in a marquee setting on King's Lawn. Working alongside the appointed marquee provider, the contractor will be expected to deliver a high-quality event experience that reflects the significance and profile of graduation within the University's academic calendar. The summer graduation ceremonies for 2026 will take place between 29th June and 3rd July 2026 (inclusive). In addition to the summer ceremonies, the University may require events services for the Winter Graduation ceremonies during the contract period. Winter graduation support at this stage is subject to university approval during the term of the contract. If approved, winter graduation ceremonies are anticipated to take place between 23rd and 27th November, with ceremonies expected to occur on 24th - 26th November. Winter graduations are smaller in scale and will be hosted inside Elphinstone Hall, Old Aberdeen Campus. The anticipated contract period is 1 year, commencing 1st June 2026. Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, the University reserves the option to extend the contract for up to three additional periods of 1 year each.

Renewal: Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, the University reserves the option to extend the contract for up to three additional periods of 1 year each.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064dea
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042313-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79952000 - Event services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£480,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
16 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Apr 20261 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
The anticipated timing for any further notices will depend on whether the available extensions are exercised. If no extensions are applied, the next notice would be issued at the beginning of 2027.

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ABERDEEN
Postcode
AB24 3FX
Post Town
Aberdeen
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM5 North Eastern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM50 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Delivery Location
TLM50 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire

Local Authority
Aberdeen City
Electoral Ward
Tillydrone/Seaton/Old Aberdeen
Westminster Constituency
Aberdeen North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

WAVEMAKERS LIVE

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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