Partner Article

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau win Best Industry Partnership

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau has today (Friday 4 December) won Best Industry Partnership at the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) annual awards for their work with Newcastle University in attracting large scale conferences to the North East.

Paul Szomoru, head of business tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said “We are delighted to win this award and are proud to be recognised for our approach to building partnerships across the meetings industry. It is a huge honour to be voted for by industry professionals, thank you to everyone who voted for us.

“This award reinforces the strong relationship we have with Newcastle University to deliver the successful Conference Ambassador Programme as we continue to promote NewcastleGateshead and the North East, as a superb destination to host conferences and events. It also highlights the high quality service we provide as well as the value and expertise of our team, who I’m immensely proud of.”

“We value the proactive and productive working relationship we hold with Newcastle University and plan to develop and grow our Conference Ambassador Programme; building on our success of the past year and this prestigious accolade.”

The Conference Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership with Newcastle University, works with academics and researchers, as well as medical and business professionals, to bid for and bring international and national events to the North East. Re-launched in 2014 the programme has been hugely successful attracting a range of events, and benefiting the local economy“

Abi Kelly, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Newcastle University said “This is fantastic news for both the University and NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau as we continue to build on our strong working partnership.”

Ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world Newcastle University is a world-class civic university with an international reputation for research excellence. Spearheading three major societal challenges that have a significant impact on global society; Ageing, Sustainability, and Social Renewal.

Abi continued: “Hosting academic conferences is one of the best ways we can raise our profile as a world-class civic university, and position the excellence of our research among our peers. Working in partnership with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau we are maximising opportunities to bring successful professional conferences and events to Newcastle University, enhancing both the reputation of the University and NewcastleGateshead as a great destination for conferences.”

Heather Lishman, Association Director, ABPCO said: “The judges felt that the collaborative approach taken by NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau and Newcastle University to co-own and support ‘best-fit’ conferences for Newcastle Gateshead would enhance the reputation of all concerned”

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau helps to attract and secure major national and international conferences and events for the region, working with a wide range of venues and partners. The Convention Bureau team acts as a central point of contact for all conference organisers, providing free, impartial advice and unrivalled local knowledge.

ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for professional conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the conference and meetings industry.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Becky Beaumont .