Useful contacts

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau:

Our Convention Bureau is here to help wherever possible. This resource centre provides information on the many ways in which we can provide assistance to conference organisers; however please do not hesitate to contact our experienced team if you have any questions or need further guidance to help you organise your event.

Name: Jessica Roberts
Job title: Head of Business Tourism 
Email address: jessica.roberts@ngi.org.uk
Contact me if you’d like to discuss: Major event enquiries, membership of the Convention Bureau or your thoughts in general on NewcastleGateshead as a conference destination
My top tip: When organising a conference, don’t stint on AV. You may have to pay a little extra, but having the support of an expert can make all the difference between a great success and a total disaster. Always use an experienced local supplier – they will know your venue and will be able to make useful suggestions on how to make the most of your event. 
My favourite place in NewcastleGateshead: Ouseburn – just to the east of the city centre, this is the place for quirky pubs with good beer and great views. 
An interesting fact about me: I have been busking in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

Name: Gill Pilkington
Job title: Conference Development Manager
Email address: gill.pilkington@ngi.org.uk
Contact me if you’d like to discuss: Becoming a Conference Ambassador and working with us to bid for and attract more conferences to NewcastleGateshead
My top tip: If you are considering organising a conference here, get in touch with us as soon as possible – we can save you huge amounts of time and effort and help ensure a successful outcome. And remember, all our services are free!
My favourite place in NewcastleGateshead: It has to be the Angel of the North, unveiled in 1998, the year I moved to NewcastleGateshead, having lived in London for a very long time. A spectacular piece of public art, now recognised around the world and, for me, a good omen. He has watched over me ever since. 
An interesting fact about me: I make a good crème brulee and am one of the few people in this region who has not taken part in The Great North Run (and never will!)

Name: Alex Mackee
Job title: Operations Manager
Email address: alex.mackee@ngi.org.uk
Contact me if you’d like to discuss: Anything to do with delegate accommodation
My top tip: A welcome reception at the beginning of your conference is a great ice breaker and a chance for delegates to get to know each other and the destination before the conference starts. How about a drinks reception onboard a River Escapes boat with the panorama of the stunning Quayside, or in BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, with Gateshead Millennium Bridge tilted especially for the occasion?  
My favourite place in NewcastleGateshead: The award-winning Saltwell Park in Gateshead is my favourite place and a great place for a walk, a coffee or just to sit and watch the world go by.
An interesting fact about me: I have sailed across the Atlantic twice.

Newcastle University:

Conference Office: Jeanette McGhie or Jackie Bell, +44 (0)191 222 6318 or conference-team@ncl.ac.uk
Research Beehive: Jill Golightly (Head of Research Office) or Doreen Boddy (PA), +44 (0)191 222 5770 or doreen.boddy@ncl.ac.uk

Northumbria University:

Hazel Reynolds: Conference Manager, +44 (0)191 227 4717 or hazel.reynolds@northumbria.ac.uk
Carolyn Elliot: Conference Assistant, +44 (0)191 227 4499 or carolyn.elliott@northumbria.ac.uk
Katrina Hughes: Conference Assistant, +44 (0)191 227 449 or katrina.hughes@northumbria.ac.uk