Over 150 corporate, agency and association event planners came together for Discover NewcastleGateshead yesterday (16.11.10) organised by NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau.
Attendees enjoyed networking with over 25 of the destination’s best venues and service providers in the industry, including Newcastle Civic Centre, Rockcliffe Hall, R&B Group and Hilton NewcastleGateshead.
In addition, city development group 1NG were on hand to talk visitors through plans for the development of an International Conference and Exhibition Centre (ICEC). Proposed to be situated on the iconic river front, closely aligned with The Sage Gateshead, the project is expected to generate more than 200,000 additional business visitors to the city per annum.
The event was rounded off with a popular performance from North East comedian Sarah Millican.
On the event, Jessica Roberts, Head of Business Tourism, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau said; “We were thrilled with the evening. There was a huge amount of interest from corporate buyers who clearly understand the depth, breadth and vibrancy of the conferencing offer in and around NewcastleGateshead. Initial feedback shows that visitors to Discover NewcastleGateshead were really inspired by what the exhibitors had to offer.”
Tim Hardie, Business Development Manager at Matfen Hall, said; “NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau did a fantastic job of arranging a great event. The design was great and the event portrayed NewcastleGateshead as a vibrant, exciting destination, which it really is. We’re confident that we’ve generated exciting leads and it was well worth the trip to the capital.”