Highland Spotlight 2025 lit up the Drumossie Hotel this week, on Tuesday 23 September, creating an electric atmosphere buzzing with conversations and new collaborations.
This year’s exhibition was a record-breaker, with over 70 exhibitors (we were totally at capacity) and almost 450 delegates throughout the day. From the moment the doors officially opened, there was a constant hum of energy – people discovering what’s new, swapping ideas, making connections.
Not only did Highland Spotlight deliver top-tier networking, but it also offered valuable insights. The Spotlight Seminar, led by Chris Hawkes (CEO, Strut) and Rene Looper (Founder, Tuminds), drew a packed room with a topic that’s never been more timely – ‘Discover How AI Is Transforming Marketing’.
Attendees came away with actionable tips to get started on their AI journey – how to streamline everyday tasks, use AI to support routine work so you free up capacity to lead on the more creative, thought-provoking aspects of your business. Chris and Rene showed different tools in action, explored best practice, and underlined that while AI can help us become more efficient, we absolutely still need our human “superpowers” – creativity, judgement, and personality – to tell our stories and make content resonate.
What people are saying
Here are some highlights from exhibitors and delegates throughout the day (pulled from social media) using #HighlandSpotlight #HBWeek2025:
“What a day! Seeing so many local businesses under one roof, inspiring stuff. Loved the AI seminar too – practical and real.”
“Had so many great conversations today. Met potential collaborators, picked up ideas I can take back to my team immediately. Thank you #HighlandSpotlight!”
“Chris & Rene’s talk was brilliant – made AI feel less scary, more ‘this is doable’. Already testing out a new tool they recommended.”
“Room was alive from 9am. Stand-out event for the Highlands. Well done to everyone involved.”
Colin Marr, CEO, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, echoes these comments, Colin Marr, CEO, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, echoes these comments, “Highland Spotlight 2025 has surpassed all expectations. To fill the room to capacity with over 70 exhibitors and have almost 450 engaged delegates is a testament to the strength, innovation and spirit of our Highland business community. The energy here has been amazing, and the insights shared at our seminar are going to equip so many of us to take the next steps on our AI journey with confidence. Thanks to everyone who came, exhibited, shared, and joined us in making today a real celebration of what businesses in the Highlands can do when we come together.”
Scroll through our picture gallery, thanks to our media sponsor, Highland News & Media, to relive the buzz, the conversations, and the standout moments of Highland Spotlight 2025…
