HEADQUARTERS Destination Report England is a special edition of HeadQuarters Magazine - April 2010 published by Meeting Media Company (Belgium) - www.headquartersmagazine.com - press@headquartersmagazine.com
INNOVATIVE ENGLAND
> INTRODUCTION
THINK YOU KNOW ENGLAND? COME AGAIN!
Simon Gidman
Birmingham
MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL, NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD AND LONDON. FOUR DESTINATIONS IN FOUR DAYS. I HAD NEVER TAKEN THIS KIND OF PRESS TRIP FOR HQ BEFORE. BUT, THANKS TO EAST COAST TRAINS, I HAPPILY DID IT, GIVEN VISITENGLAND’S STRONG DESIRE FOR ME TO SEE THE BEST OF THOSE FOUR CITIES. NOW I CAN SAY IT: IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR DESTINATIONS WITH CLOSE LINKS TO THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS COMMUNITY AND STATE-OF-THEART INFRASTRUCTURE, ENGLAND IS THE PLACE TO BE. REPORT RÉMI DÉVÉ
England is justifiably one of the world’s leading congress destinations for a number of reasons. First of all and to counter-attack a long-standing cliché, it is one of the easiest and most affordable countries to get to. Over the last two years, the exchange rate has changed dramatically, making England very competitive compared to other European and North American destinations: it offers excellent value for money so you can now spend quality time there. All of England’s main cities have their own international airports with excellent flight connections to destinations all around the world. There is also the high speed Eurostar link to Paris and Brussels and they have a very efficient road and rail network with short distances between cities. Secondly, England’s combination of thousands of years of history with innovative urban regeneration projects is unrivalled, providing planners with stunning backdrops for international congresses. I was amazed
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by the excellent range of dedicated conference facilities and the superb choice of unique venues for special events such as dinners and receptions. The new International Conference Centre at ExCel in London and the stunning riverside Arena and Convention Centre in Liverpool are two fantastic recent additions to the already existing portfolio of congress facilities which also include Manchester Central, the ICC in Birmingham and the Bournemouth International Centre on the south coast. Add to the above a degree of professionalism that is hard to find in many other countries, a warm English welcome, great food and entertainment and excellent value for money and England is without doubt an extremely attractive congress destination. Simon Gidman, Business Visits and Events Manager at VisitEngland, offered more insights about why international associations should definitely come and visit England.
tion England’s combinaars of ye of s nd sa ou th of tive history with innovan tio ra ne ge re n ba ur led, projects is unrival with rs ne an pl g in id ov pr s for stunning backdropresses ng international co
HQ: How does MeetEngland cater to international associations? Simon Gidman: MeetEngland, as the official body for promoting England’s meeting and conference product, can really help international association event planners plan an inspirational and successful congress here in England. We have excellent relationships with all of the city convention bureaux so can coordinate bids or source information and images quickly. We also provide great networking opportunities to enable England’s destinations to meet international associations around the world. MeetEngland recently organized an event in Brussels where we invited six of our leading cities to meet with sixteen international associations. It proved a great success as many of the association planners that attended had little in-depth knowledge
ACC Liverpool
© Peter Atkinson
Angel of the North, NewcastleGateshead
Harrogate International Centre
AN EVENT TO REMEMBER WORLD YOUTH AND STUDENT TRAVEL CONFERENCE (WYSTC) Held in September 2009 in Manchester, WYSTC is considered the leading event for the youth, student and educational travel industry. Hosting WYSTC in 2009 provided Manchester with an excellent showcase opportunity to position the city as a new and vibrant destination to the travel trade and the student travel sector.
London Southbank
The Sage Gateshead
of the English cities present and were very keen to find out more.
specifically around their arenas and conference centres.
HQ: Some associations tend to not be able to see beyond London when it comes to organizing their congress, why do you think it’s so?
Given the amazing vibrancy and buzz of these cities it is often surprising to realize that they are so compact and very easy to get around. Whenever I visit any of these cities I always feel a great excitement at being a part of this rapid transformation. I know that planners are always on the lookout for new and exciting destinations but without the risks associated with using a completely untested country. I am sure that when the word gets out, more and more international associations will want to come and explore these great destinations for themselves.
Simon Gidman: London is the capital of England and one of the few truly ‘world’ cities. It has excellent transport links, great congress facilities and hundreds of iconic venues. It is a great feeling living in a city that is constantly innovating and surprising both residents and visitors alike. As host to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games I am sure London will confirm its status as one of the ‘event capitals’ of the world. We are very fortunate though here in England that we are blessed with a number of world class city destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and NewcastleGateshead. Many of these cities are rapidly changing through multi-million pound regeneration projects. Attracting international association events is at the heart of their development plans and so their infrastructure has been developed with large congresses in mind. Many have developed whole new areas of the city
HQ: Can you explain the main links between England and international associations and how you work on those links? Simon Gidman: England is a world leader in many fields and the country has created a positive climate of creativity where we continue to develop and attract innovation. We are world leaders in fields such as biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services and advanced engineering, such as aerospace and automotive. England has also developed particular strengths in the creative
Susan Goldstein, Managing Director, WYSTC, said: ‘With one of Europe’s largest student populations in and just outside of the city, Manchester is a terrific destination to hold our conference. The level of support we have received from Visit Manchester, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Manchester Central and the city as a whole was fantastic. The event will certainly provide UK specialists with a very unique opportunity to do business with the industry’s leaders in their own back yard.’
industries of design and entertainment as well as information technology and environmental and renewable energies. England’s city destinations have strong links with both local industry and their universities and hospitals, many of which are leading on international research projects. Our cities are therefore in the perfect position to host international association conferences which focus on ‘their’ particular topic. Many of England’s convention bureaux recruit both industry and academic ambassadors to help spread the word about their city, with great success I have to say.
CONTACT Simon Gidman Business Visits and Events Manager MeetEngland - VisitEngland Phone +44 (0)20 7578 1442 simon.gidman@visitengland.org www.meetengland.com
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> LIVERPOOL
ACC Liverpool
STRONGEST ASSET
LIVERPOOL, A CITY THAT ROCKS
This was widely publicised two years ago when Liverpool celebrated European Capital of Culture 2008, which played a vital role in raising the profile of the city on a global scale. The celebratory year generated millions of pounds and visitors, but it also helped
Liverpool transform itself with venues being renovated, new hotels created and entire districts rejuvenated. Now Liverpool Convention Bureau is building on this success, looking to make the city a real ‘Capital of Conferencing’. I have to confess: it’s definitely getting there. In the 24 hours I was there, change could actually be felt everywhere. Cranes dominated the skyline, construction projects have been agreed, and new museums and galleries are being developed, including the new £72million Museum of Liverpool, which I’m really looking forward to seeing when it opens in Spring 2011. Set against the backdrop of the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage waterfront and steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, Liverpool seems to be the ideal destination to stage a conference or event of any kind.
Anglican Cathedral
©The Mersey Partnership (TMP)
IF YOU PLAY A WORD ASSOCIATION GAME WITH SOMEONE, THE FIRST THOUGHT LIKELY TO COME TO YOUR PARTNER’S MIND WHEN YOU MENTION LIVERPOOL IS ‘THE BEATLES’. BEING THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ROCK BAND EVER, IT HARDLY COMES AS A SURPRISE THAT EVEN TODAY, THE FAB FOUR REMAIN A STRONG DRAW FOR VISITORS. BUT THERE IS MORE TO LIVERPOOL THAN THE BEATLES. AS A CITY BUSTLING WITH LIFE, COLOUR AND CULTURE, IT SHOULD BE ON THE MAP OF ANY INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS WISHING TO ORGANISE A PRESTIGIOUS CONGRESS.
Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC Liverpool) may well be the strongest asset of the city. Home to the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, it lies at the heart of the city, bordered by a magnificent waterfront location and the historic Albert Dock - and just a short walk from The Beatles Story attraction! In addition to being a beautiful building, all in glass and light, the convention complex is uniquely flexible, with a combined exhibition space of 7,125 m2. The BT Conven-
> LIVERPOOL tion Centre boasts a spacious auditorium, seating up to 1,350 delegates, which can be divided into three separate auditoria. There are also an additional 18 break-out rooms for groups up to 500 people. And if you’re looking for accommodation, look no further, as there are two neighbouring hotels offering 442 bedrooms, with another striking 2,000 rooms all at walking distance!
and commitment to conferencing, any event held in Liverpool will be a success. Places that have had fascinating lives of their own before becoming host venues, but have retained their original character, are hugely popular. These are complemented by modern hotels such as Hilton Liverpool, ideally located half-way between ACC Liverpool and the city centre, or the Hard Days Night, the world’s
Set against the backdrop of the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage waterfront and steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, Liverpool seems to be the ideal destination to stage a conference or event of any kind It’s in the green sector that ACC Liverpool clearly stands out. One of the greenest venues in Europe, the team are committed to ensuring that your event is as green as it possibly can be. Thanks to a Green Dream Team and through several initiatives such as wind turbine, rain harvesting or low energy lighting - just to name a few of course - it has been certified many things but is the only UK venue to have achieved both BREEAM and ISO14001 accreditations. Sustainability is not just a marketing tool for ACC Liverpool, it’s practically a way of life!
SURE SUCCESS Because of the professionalism of the people
first boutique Beatles’ influenced hotel, in which I was lucky enough to stay. The city just brims with excitement. And that’s not all! Sporting venues, museums, galleries, historic buildings including two cathedrals, and even two Victorian glasshouses, which are all part of Liverpool’s conferencing experience. Aintree Racecourse, home of the John Smith’s Grand National, Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield Stadium and the historic Albert Dock can all make for a unique event. When asked about the most rewarding part of the EURAM 2009 Conference, Terry McNulty, Professor of Management and Corporate
Governance, stated: ‘The delegates’ positive reaction to the City of Liverpool and the delegates spanning from nearly 40 countries and five continents. Also, seeing the Anglican Cathedral set up for the Gala Dinner - a spectacular sight and truly memorable evening for all attendees. Ultimately, a feeling of success, as shown via the feedback both throughout and after the event.’ Doesn’t this say it all? Of course residential venues should always be an option for conferences that span several days or even one whole day, and Liverpool delivers on this count, too. What’s more, the duration of your stay doesn’t have to be entirely for business; combining a conference with a spot of sightseeing, culture, sport or fine dining is becoming ever more popular. And with Liverpool Convention Bureau which just launched its new branding, renewing its commitment to attracting events organisers, by helping them secure venues, suppliers and even room nights, Liverpool is definitely the place to be. As Carol O’Reilly, Manager of Liverpool Convention Bureau, says: ‘Our modern branding is the final part in positioning Liverpool as a contemporary brand that can breathe life into events and we are looking forward to an exciting future!’
More information www.visitliverpool.com/conferences
A FEW REASONS TO CHOOSE LIVERPOOL
Hard Days Night - The Lennon Suite
Liverpool FC Stadium Echo Arena
©The Mersey Partnership (TMP)
Hilton Liverpool ©Ellie Laycock - The Mersey
+ a wealth of academic knowledge and research via four universities and two university hospitals + world-class Meetings Industry Association accredited venues and hotels + two international airports within a 45-minute drive + new infrastructure of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets + UNESCO World Heritage Status + international profile as European Capital of Culture 2008 + more museums and galleries than any other UK city outside London + world-renowned musical and maritime heritage
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> LONDON
EVER CHANGING, EVER ATTRACTIVE LONDON LONDON. YOU WOULD ALMOST THINK THAT IT DOESN’T REALLY NEED PROMOTION. AFTER ALL, BEING THE CAPITAL OF PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING, FROM FASHION TO FINANCE AND CULTURE AMONG OTHER THINGS, IT BOASTS ALL THE FEATURES THAT WOULD MAKE YOUR DELEGATES WANT TO ATTEND YOUR EVENT IF YOU DECIDED TO HOLD IT THERE. BUT TO DISMISS IT AS A CONGRESS DESTINATION BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU ALREADY KNOW THE CITY INSIDE OUT WOULD BE WRONG. AS LONDON PREPARES FOR THE 2012 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPIC GAMES, IT’S CONSTANTLY CHANGING - AND WAS ACTUALLY CHANGING UNDER MY VERY EYES WHEN I TOOK A WALK AMONG ITS MANY FACILITIES LAST MARCH. Just as it happened for Beijing, the Olympic and Paralympic Games that will take place in 2012 in London have presented a huge opportunity for the city to offer all the facilities expected of a global destination. Every improvement made for the Games will enhance the city’s stature as one of
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the world’s most vibrant locations. Those developments are here to stay and many of them will serve as meetings venues once the Games are over. On a side note, the Olympics will also have a positive effect on public transport, as getting around London will be easier and actually faster. Becky Graveney, Associations Sales Manager, said: ‘To complement all the new facilities for associations, Visit London have recently created a London for Associations brand which is a dedicated to providing Associations with bespoke information, including a Directory, regular newsletter, a toolkit with relevant marketing collateral and a dedicated section on the web site www.visitlondon/associations.’
REGENERATION With its own airport (London City Airport), and London’s first ICC convention centre
Olympic Stadium
g, ened for Beijin Just as it happ d Paralympic the Olympic an ill take place Games that w on have in 2012 in Londge opportunity presented a huoffer all the for the city to cted of a global facilities expe destination. and array of unique venues reflecting a rich heritage, East London stands at the forefront of this regeneration. While some event organisers prefer to stick to the tested City or West End districts, more and more are turning to London Eastside’s new venues. As Patricia Holmes, Business Tourism Manager at London Eastside puts it: ‘It’s a very diverse area, with Canary Wharf at its heart, the Royal Docks and ExCeL London to the east and hip Spitalfields to the west. With its wide
> LONDON
LONDON FACTS AND FIGURES + average number of association delegates a year: 22,000 + 102,000 rooms in 357 hotels at present - 123,000 rooms by 2012 + 5 international airports + 300 direct flights from worldwide destination + 250+ free attractions + 17 renowned national museums + 150 theatres + more than 6,000 restaurants, bars and cafés + 4 World Heritage sites + London is made up of 30% of green space + more than 300 languages spoken
range of quality venues, East London will make any event a success!’ Talking about regeneration, ExCeL London, which doesn’t really need to be introduced, has just undergone radical changes, thanks to an expansion programme that has created new, versatile spaces that now sit alongside the existing conference and exhibition facilities. As London’s first ICC it’s not only the UK’s largest fully-flexible auditorium - with 5,000 seats, it’s equal in size to Europe’s largest too! There’s also London’s largest banqueting hall for up to 3,000 guests and a conference suite comprising 17 individual meeting rooms, suitable for anything from 50 to 2,500 delegates. Shall I go on or is it enough? I was also lucky enough to stay at one of the newest hotels in town. Occupying a dramatic position among the striking architectural and historical landmarks of the capital’s South Bank, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge sits right next to The Merlin Entertainments London Eye - another must-see attraction that you should definitely experience. Where once stood what may have been one of the ugliest buildings in London, a contemporary aparthotel rises, with 1,021 guest rooms. In terms of meeting space, the hotel provides the most extensive new area in the city, with a Grand
The QEIICC - Westminster Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Ballroom catering for more than 1,200 delegates, with an additional 30 function rooms. You could hardly ask for more.
OR TRADITIONAL Of course there are also the more ‘traditional’ places where it’s possible to hold your event. In this regard, the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is the place to be. Uniquely situated in the shadow of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and The London Eye, it offers, as a purpose-built venue, the finest services to associations. Accommodating up to 3,000 delegates, the conference and meeting rooms can be used in a variety of combinations to match any requirement. In terms of sustainability, QEIICC has nothing to blush about: it recognises it has a responsibility to achieve environmental best practice and continuously improve its business activities to protect the natural environment by carefully managing energy and minimising waste. Two other conference hotels are also worth considering as they could be handy if you feel shy in venues such as ExCeL or QEIICC. Just 10 minutes from Oxfort Street lies Hilton London Metropole, a prestigious hotel among business travellers. Here figures speak for themselves, as 3 to 3,000 can meet, 2 to 2,000 can eat and 1 to 1,000 can sleep under
Novotel London West
its roof. I was personally impressed by its 2 identical Conference Suites, very convenient for a plenary and an exhibition. Near the Hammersmith Theatre, there is the Novotel London West, which has just undergone a massive refurbishment, offering 5,500 m2 of flexible conference and exhibition space over 4 connecting dedicated connecting floors and 32 conference rooms! Novotel just launched a new programme dedicated to meetings called Eureka. The typical Eureka room features unconventional and flexible ergonomic furnishings combined with state-of-the-art technology tools to inspire fresh thinking. Eureka also lets conference organisers enjoy the choice of an à la carte and/or buffet menu within the meeting space, another instance of Novotel’s commitment to offering the guest flexible choices. Those few lines are just impressions and highlights of London as an association congress destination. To really feel what the city is about, to experience its many unique venues and discover its hidden gems, one event is definitely not enough. In short, London is a destination which calls for return. You should simply go and check it out yourself.
More information www.visitlondon.com/business
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> MANCHESTER
MANCHESTER, WHERE PASSION IS A WAY OF LIFE THE RANGE AND SHEER AMOUNT OF CONFERENCE AND EVENT VENUES IN MANCHESTER IS SO VAST THAT IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO APPRECIATE IT ALL IN JUST ONE DAY. FORTUNATELY, IN THE SHORT PERIOD OF TIME I WAS THERE I HAD THE HELP OF ANTHONY CASSIDY, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM VISIT MANCHESTER WHO SPECIALISES IN ACCOUNT MANAGING EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION CONGRESSES. HE GAVE ME A GOOD GLIMPSE OF WHAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER THE ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY. AND NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS IMPRESSED AND CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK NOW!
wherever I went, whoever I talked to during my (way too short) stay there. Anthony Cassidy puts it this way: ‘Many cities can cite the range of venues it has, its infrastructure and financial incentives available to event planners. Manchester has all of these, but above all else we have passion! The team at Visit Manchester and the city as a whole relish the opportunity to host international events.’
PERFECT SETTING
To welcome a wide range of events, there is of course Manchester Central, in the area known as Petersfield. Once a central railway station, historically a place where people met, it is now one of Europe’s premier convention and exhibition locations - and maybe the only non purpose-built conference centre I have ever visited. Expanded over the years, the facility includes a conference auditorium, a range of break-out and seminar rooms and over 13,500 m2 of exhibition space.
From a small meeting to a conference or convention for up to 19,000 delegates, the city boasts a varied, innovative and impressive range of venues. You may think other destinations do as well, but what differentiates Manchester to some of its colleagues is the passion! I could actually almost feel it
The good news is that Manchester Central is currently undergoing an impressive redevelopment programme to expand and enhance the existing buildings. Due for completion in the autumn of 2010, the facility will include a new Charter Foyer, a new and extended foyer
Pretty much the only thing I knew about Manchester was that it’s obviously the home of Manchester United, maybe the world’s most popular football team. I also was aware of the fact that Manchester’s gay scene is famously one of Britain’s friendliest, busiest and most welcoming. But now I know there’s way more than that to Manchester.
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area to the iconic Central Hall and additional seminar and catering spaces. All in all, the maximum capacity of Manchester will be 8,000 people theatre style in Central Hall. As for accommodation, no need to worry about that as there are 2,500 guest rooms at a 5-minute walking distance and even 6,000 within 10 minutes! Take my word for it and try the impressive Midland Hotel or the fascinating Radisson Edwardian Hotel: they’re very close by.
Manchester United Stadium
> MANCHESTER
Symposium of Gas Kinetics, CIPD, and the World Youth and Student Travel Conference. In 2010, Manchester has recently received confirmation from the British HIV association, Unite the union and the TUC. Anthony Cassidy says: ‘As well as the services an organiser would expect from a leading convention city, we offer a bespoke service to each and every client to help them turn a good event into a great one. We help with event marketing, securing key speakers, civic receptions, financial support, identifying a local host or ambassador with a relevant association and liaising with other city stakeholders to deliver specific services.’ Manchester has undergone a series of massive transformations over the years: from its early recognition as a formidable Roman fort, to an industrial epicentre centuries later; more recently from the UK’s indie music capital to a cosmopolitan city break destination. With a proven track record of staging world-class events from sporting to cultural, Manchester is now also firmly established on
the worldwide circuit as a leading association conference destination.
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCES As a successful host to, among others, Europe’s largest political conferences, the city welcomed a variety of association congresses in the past, including the Labour Party Annual Conference, the International
An exciting blend of culture, history and commerce, Manchester provides the perfect setting for any event, from a small meeting to a conference or convention for up to 19,000 delegates
Manchester Central
WHY CHOOSE MANCHESTER?
Midland Hotel
+ Over 250 outstanding venues, including a world class convention centre complex + Award-winning airport serving 20 UK and more than 200 world-wide destinations + Over 19,000 hotel bedrooms with over 6,000 in the city centre, many with their own conference facilities and meeting rooms + One of the UK’s leading conference destinations + Wide range of support services provided by Marketing Manchester’s dedicated conference team
Because conventions are often much more than plenary sessions, workshops and presentations, Manchester offers an endless choice of entertainment and leisure options. Home to the largest theatre land outside London and with the busiest indoor arena in the world, from theatres and galleries, to designer shops and one-off boutiques, Manchester seems to have it all. By day, you can explore landmark galleries and museums, like Daniel Libeskind’s Imperial War Museum North, the Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester Art Gallery. By night, you can take in a show at one of Manchester’s many theatrical and concert venues, like the Royal Exchange or the Lowry. Need a special venue for your welcome party? Why not try Manchester Town Hall with its exquisite décor or Manchester United Football Club? Those are of course just two possibilities among an array of options. As the unofficial capital of the region, Manchester makes the ideal base for exploring the North of England. Talk about pre- or postconference tours and you will be amazed by the endless possibilities! For days out head for the stunning countryside of the Lake District, Lancashire and the Peak District or make the most of the city’s transport links to visit local market towns or the historic cities of Chester or York…
More information www.visitmanchester.com www.manchesterconferences.com
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> NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD
NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD TWIN CITIES TO DISCOVER Newcastle Civic Centre
IT’S NO BIG SECRET. WHEN IT COMES TO HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN ENGLAND, NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD DOESN’T NECESSARILY COME TO MIND, SAY, NATURALLY. YET, I SPENT A WHOLE DAY THERE AND IN THIS RATHER SHORT PERIOD OF TIME I GREW CONVINCED THAT IT’S A DESTINATION DEFINITELY WORTH CONSIDERING, AN EXCITING MIX OF MODERN AND HISTORIC THAT HAS TRANSFORMED ITSELF OVER THE YEARS INTO A VIBRANT LOCATION WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. Located at the heart of North East England, Newcastle and Gateshead are twinned by seven bridges crossing the River Tyne (the perspective on the waterfront is one-of-akind) to form a unique congress destination, NewcastleGateshead. A city with proud industrial roots, it’s been reinventing itself in the most fascinating way. I’m sure some of you know about the shopping, the nightlife or the passion for sport (needless to say Newcastle United is a beloved football team), but for a meeting NewcastleGateshead can cater equally well for groups of ten or for thousands of delegates.
DRIVING FORCE First and foremost, there is one state-ofthe-art facility that immediately stands out, when you take a stroll on the river banks. A driving force in the regeneration of the ‘twin cities’ since opening in 2004, The Sage Gateshead is an amazing place in which to hold events of any kind. Designed by acclaimed architect Sir Norman Foster, it’s a fully-equipped, award-winning conference venue, with facilities that include two outstanding auditoria, two large multi-purpose rooms, a spectacular glazed concourse, café,
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bars, restaurants and foyers with stunning river views. Have a look at the picture and you’ll understand what I mean! With a maximum capacity of 1,700 and no less than 38 meeting rooms, it’s the convention centre par excellence. What I particularly liked about it is that it’s definitely a living place. Sometimes venues like this can be dead when there is no event taking place. At The Sage Gateshead it’s part of the community, people come and go, there is life everywhere… If you choose to hold a conference there, it could definitely be an added-value: you could feel like you’re a part of a bigger picture! 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 is the typical but much-needed congress hotel, while Malmaison Newcastle, where I was lucky enough to stay, provides the ideal atmosphere of laidbackness and relaxation after a hard day’s work. The friendliness of the people in NewcastleGateshead is second to none and legendary. In an instant, Jessica Roberts, Head of Business Tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, and David Bootle, Business PR Manager at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, made me feel at ease. This sense of welcome is best seen in the Ambassador Programme that Jessica helped put together. She puts it this way:
‘The NewcastleGateshead Conference Ambassador Programme is a real testament to the enthusiasm of ambassadors that help secure major conferences to our beautiful ’twin cities’, attracting high-profile individuals and delegates from all over the world who instantly feel at ease in our compact and walkable destination.’
HIGHLIGHTS During my stay in NewcastleGateshead, I couldn’t of course see all the venues and hotels that are available to the association planner. But I had a good glimpse of them. Here are my favourites.
> NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD
The Sage Gateshead Northumbria University
Great North Museum - Hancock
A SELECTION OF PAST AND FUTURE EVENTS HELD AT THE SAGE GATESHEAD + June 2006 World Summit on Arts and Culture + October 2006 Soroptomists International + August 2007 14th International y Symposium on Actinomycete Biology + September/October 2008 World Muscle Congress + July 2010 International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling + October 2011 European Society for Paediatric Research + July 2013 International Colour Association Newcastle Civic Centre
Truly a venue like no other - and I’m weighing my words here - Newcastle Civic Centre was built in the 60s and hasn’t changed since, though of course it’s been carefully maintained. It’s definitely one-of-a-kind and is sure to make your event special, whether it be a gala dinner with a red-carpet welcome, a conference in the impressive Council Chamber or a gourmet banquet for up to 600 persons in the Banqueting Hall. All in all, the flexibility of Newcastle Civic Centre’s suites and grounds offers the rare opportunity to showcase what NewcastleGateshead is all about: a fascinating mixture of old and new.
Located at the he of North East En art Newcastle and Gagland, head are twinned tesseven bridges cr by ossing the River Tyne (th perspective on th e waterfront is one-e kind) to form a un of-acongress destinat ique NewcastleGatesh ion, ead
Being a a destination that has two leading universities with about 80,000 students in total, NewcastleGateshead’s university facilities work extremely well for conferences. Newcastle University’s large city centre campus combines an historic academic setting with state-of-the-art facilities. Venues range from the Georgian splendour of the Terrace Room to hi-tech lecture theatres for up to 500 delegates. At the forefront of educational and cultural awareness, Northumbria University can provide over 20 lecture theatres from 30 to 400 people and a wide selection of seminar and breakout rooms. Adjacent accommodation,
on-site parking and excellent catering services are of course available. Last but not least is Great North Museum: Hancock. Located in the heart of Newcastle, the building has just undergone a massive refurbishment and offers now a whole range of meetings opportunities for small groups to bigger exhibitions. It’s rare enough to be mentioned: the museum can be hired as a whole, accommodating up to 1,300 guests. Looking brandnew, with the historic yet modern feel, it’s sure to lend a special character to any event.
More information www.NewcastleGateshead.com/meet
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Inspirational ideas for successful events in England VISIT
The ofďŹ cial body for business visits and events in England