Client name: International Society for Priorities in Healthcare.

Event title: 7th International Conference on Priorities in Healthcare.

Purpose of event: To enhance learning about managing health care scarcity in more efficient ways for the great benefit of global populations.

Venue(s) used: The Sage Gateshead as the main conference venue and The Discovery Museum for the gala dinner.

Date: 28 - 30 October 2008

Number of delegates: 400+

Value to region/city: £450,000 (approximately)


Why was venue chosen?

After eight years outside of the UK - having most recently been in Olso, Wellington and Toronto - the International Society for Priorities in Healthcare decided to return to England, choosing NewcastleGateshead on account of academics from Newcastle University being some of the world’s leading experts on priority setting in this field.


Why was event a success?

The event was a huge success with a large number of delegates from all parts of the world joining in discussions and debates during the three-day gathering with keynote speakers who have led the way in this field globally, including Andrew Dillon, chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, and Shiela Dnotshe Tlou, former Minister of Health for Botswana.


Was there a particular highlight?

At the welcome reception on the main concourse of The Sage Gateshead, delegates marvelled at the fantastic views of the city and the many bridges over the River Tyne.


What was the delegate feedback on the event?

Delegates to NewcastleGateshead provided very positive feedback on the event, the destination and the varied social programme they enjoyed. Many delegates commented on the warmth of the people and the positive strong urban renewal, combined with historic architecture.


What are the long term benefits to destination/venue?

The success of the event and positive experiences of those who attended from around the world will help raise the profile of the destination. Jessica Roberts, head of business tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said of the impact the conference has left: “Conferences of this nature can leave a lasting legacy in the region, but also have the potential to create a wider legacy as organisers and delegates involved return to their countries spreading the news about what our twin cities offer in terms of lifestyle, tourism, business and medical expertise.”


A final thought.

As a result of the world-leading research conducted here in the medical field NewcastleGateshead is fast becoming one of the UK’s most popular destinations for medical and scientific conferences. Famous for its legendary friendliness and boasting a compact city centre and a wide range of venues and accommodation options, this destination has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is now one of England’s major conference destinations.


Find out more about NewcastleGateshead.