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 00:00

Tender

11 Feb 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the "Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen" has been completed with an award to Wavemakers Live. The buying organisation, University of Aberdeen, required services to manage their summer graduation ceremonies on King's Lawn, with potential for winter events at Elphinstone Hall. This falls under the Education industry category, situated in Aberdeen (UKM50). The contract is valued at £480,000, starting from 1st June 2026, with a possible extension of up to three additional one-year periods. The procurement was conducted via an open procedure, with the award being made on 28th April 2026. Notably, the tender process was conducted electronically, with the tender period ending on 16th March 2026.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for business growth, particularly for companies specialising in event management and those with experience in large academic or formal ceremonies. Businesses providing high-quality, comprehensive event solutions, including marquee and logistical support, would find this contract well-suited to their capabilities. The opportunity to renew or extend the contract further enhances its value, potentially securing business stability over several years for the successful bidder. The focus on quality over price ensures that businesses offering superior technical skills and service delivery can competitively position themselves in future tender opportunities from the University of Aberdeen.

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-r6ebe6-0000823363
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY555442
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award 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
28 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
Complete
Awards Status
Not Specified
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

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB549363
    Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen - 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.
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY555442
    Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen - 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.

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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