Tender

Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

11 Feb 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Aberdeen is seeking a main contractor to manage graduation event services, including summer ceremonies from 29th June to 3rd July 2026 at King's Lawn, Aberdeen. The supplier will work alongside a marquee provider to deliver high-quality events that uphold the significance of graduations within the academic calendar. The contract starts on 1st June 2026 for one year with possible extensions pending satisfactory performance. The tender follows an open procurement method and uses electronic submissions, closing on 16th March 2026. This opportunity falls under the education industry category and is classified under CPV code 79952000.

This tender offers significant growth potential for businesses proficient in event management, particularly those experienced in large-scale academic events. Enterprises with expertise in logistics, hospitality, and technical services will find this project aligns well with their capabilities. Furthermore, successful execution could lead to extended contracts, fostering long-term relationships with public organisations like the University of Aberdeen. The anticipated contract renewal options are beneficial for businesses aiming for consistent work, providing a stable revenue source through successful delivery of graduation ceremonies at both summer and winter events.

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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=FEB549363
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

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
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
16 Mar 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
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
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
e-sourcing@abdn.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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

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.

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