Surgical conference returns to Tyneside

A leading surgical conference is set to bring healthcare specialists from across Britain and Europe to the North East this summer.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music will host the British Elbow & Shoulder Society’s (BESS) Annual Scientific Meeting from June 24 to 26, bringing more than 650 delegates to the region.

The event is the leading upper limb forum in the UK and Ireland, attracting surgeons and advanced health practitioners from across Britain.

This year’s conference will also mark a first for BESS, with an international society joining the event. 

Representatives from La Sociedad Española de Cirugía de Hombro y Codo, the Spanish Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, will attend, with president elect Abdul-ilah Hachem delivering the Presidential Guest Lecture.

Across the three days, delegates will take part in lectures, surgical debates, panel discussions, industry workshops, a trade exhibition and a full-day instructional course focused on trauma.

The event will close with an awards presentation and the announcement of Manchester as host city for the 2027 Annual Scientific Meeting.

In a joint statement, Mark Falworth, president of the BESS, and Jaime Candal-Couto, vice president/local organiser lead, added: “We are delighted to bring the BESS Annual Scientific Meeting and Instructional Course to NewcastleGateshead and The Glasshouse, a venue that offers an excellent setting for collaboration, learning and innovation. 

“This year’s programme reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary shoulder and elbow practice, with a strong emphasis on practical education, multidisciplinary engagement and improving patient outcomes. 

“We are also pleased to welcome colleagues from the Spanish Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (SECHC), marking an important step in strengthening international collaboration and sharing expertise. 

“We look forward to three days of high-quality discussion, debate and professional development.”

The Glasshouse, formerly Sage Gateshead, has welcomed more than 400,000 conference delegates since opening in 2004. 

Organisations including MS Life, Greggs, British Engines, the NHS and TEDx have previously hosted events at the venue.

As an independent venue and registered charity, income from conferences and events supports 

The Glasshouse’s live music and education programmes across the North East.

More than £10.6 million generated through conferences and events has been reinvested in the charity to date.

The BESS conference adds to the venue’s growing reputation as one of the North East’s most distinctive business events destinations.

Chris Laws, head of operations, events and hires at The Glasshouse, added: “This is the second time BESS has chosen The Glasshouse for its Annual Scientific Meeting, which is a great endorsement for our venue and the high quality conference and events facilities on offer.

“We’re very different from traditional conference centres in that we can provide some unique spaces that really elevate events and create that wow factor for delegates. 

“The BESS conference will make full use of our world-class auditorium and our open concourse area for the exhibition, which has panoramic views across the river to Newcastle upon Tyne.”

To find out more about the event, click here.

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