Alex Salmond was a ‘man of the people’ – conference organiser

Mr Donfried has known Salmond for several years and invited him to the conference at the Inex Olgica hotel, which was attended by dozens of young leaders and delegates from across the world.

The former MP and MSP arrived on Thursday and delivered a speech on Friday.

But after attending a panel event on Saturday he collapsed during lunch and was pronounced dead at 15:30 local time (14:30 BST).

The conference was immediately cancelled but delegates gathered less than four hours later to process his sudden loss.

Images showed some at the attendees in tears as stories were shared about Salmond’s life and career.

Mr Donfried said: “That was a moment to give thanks for all that Alex had given to everyone in that room and beyond.

“The echoing effects of his legacy will hopefully live on for a very, very long time.”

He also recalled how Salmond connected with a wide range of audiences and praised his “generosity of spirit”.