NewcastleGateshead
Introduction
NewcastleGateshead is a vibrant and exciting conference destination, situated in the heart of North East England. For many, it retains the appeal of the undiscovered – a ‘new’ destination that offers something exciting and attractive to inspire conference organisers and delegates alike. But it now also has a track record of successfully delivering a huge number of high-profile conventions.
Organisations including the European Association for Cancer Education and the International Society for Priorities in Healthcare have all hosted events in NewcastleGateshead in recent years with events lined up for 2010 onwards including the European Society for Paediatric Research, the International Conference on Ageing, Disability & Independence and the International Colour Association.
Economic and academic specialisms
The area has proven reputation in hosting major international conferences, with a particular emphasis on medical, scientific and engineering disciplines, due in part to the great academic expertise in these areas. NewcastleGateshead is home to Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Some of the specialist research and development include:
Medical Sciences
• Ageing & Health
• Cell and Molecular Biosciences
• Cellular Medicine
• Health and Society
• Human Genetics
• Neurosciences
• Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
• Cancer
Science, Agriculture & Engineering
• Energy (Bio-energy, novel geo-energy, energy conversation, storage and distribution, new and renewable energy, offshore energy, social impact & policy)
• Marine science & technology (biotechnology, biochemistry, ecology and energy & industrial competitiveness)
• Transport (Intelligent transport, green transport, seamless and inclusive transport)
• Urban sustainability (Urban development, urban infrastructure, environmental pollution, modelling & analysis)
• Environmental & Biological Sciences (geoscience, Marine science, Biological sciences, Environmental change and management)
• Health & Environment (Toxicology, environmental epidemiology, human nutrition)
• Social science & policy (environmental planning & management, landscape, urban sustainability, architectural science and environmental design)
Key venue
The Sage Gateshead is NewcastleGateshead’s major venue for international conferences. The impressive Hall One seats up to 1650 delegates with three supporting halls seating 350, 250 and 230 delegates theatre style.
Located at the heart of NewcastleGateshead’s beautiful quayside, there is easy access to all the cultural attractions, shopping, nightlife and major transport hubs for delegates. From the International Society for the Performing Arts to the Obstetric Anaesthestists Association, it provides a unique backdrop to a huge range of congresses.
Accommodation
The quality and diversity of accommodation to be found in the ‘twin cities’ and in the direct surroundings of NewcastleGateshead’s main conference venues matches the expectations of any association planner. Hilton Newcastle Gateshead has stunning views over the River Tyne and has played host to major association meetings including the World Muscle Society. Other fantastic city centre hotels include Malmaison Hotel Newcastle, Hotel du Vin Newcastle and The Thistle Hotel Newcastle
Newcastle Gateshead City-centre hotels comprise of:
Five-star hotel bedrooms 94
Four-star hotels bedrooms 1644
Three-star hotels bedrooms 1898
Unique venues for gala dinners and receptions
One of NewcastleGateshead’s most unusual conference venues, Discovery Museum’s ‘The Great Hall’ is steeped in atmosphere for an unforgettable meeting. Banquet capacity is 300, while reception is 400.
Slightly further afield, The Alnwick Garden, played hostto The World Muscle Society Gala Dinner 2008. More than 500 guests arrived by coach from NewcastleGateshead driving through the spectacular countryside of Northumberland and passing nearby Alnwick Castle, familiar to many Harry Potter fans (separate Castle tours were optional for delegates post congress). After the floodlit cascading fountain rose up to greet guests entering the pavilion, they were then piped into dinner by the Duke of Northumberland’s Piper.
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau works closely with 90 venues and suppliers across North East England. The Bureau offers free and impartial advice designed to make it easier to host an event in NewcastleGateshead.
Getting here
Newcastle International Airport was recently voted the best regional airport in the UK with over 80 destinations and direct routes to major international hubs, including Dubai, Paris, Amsterdam and London. Airlines serving the airport include Emirates, BA, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa. The airport is located just 25 minutes from the heart of the city centre and has excellent road and Metro train links.
London is 2 ¾ hours away by direct train, making the ‘twin cities’ an accessible location for national and international Association meetings and the main A1 motorway system passes through the ‘twin cities’