FAQs
Whoever you are and whatever type of event you’re planning, make sure NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is your first port of call. Our advice is unbiased and all our services are free of charge.
To help you make the most of our website we have rounded up and answered some of our most regularly asked questions:
I don’t know anything about NewcastleGateshead, how do I find a venue?
To find your ideal venue in NewcastleGateshead, all you have to do is contact NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau on +44 (0)191 440 5757.
If you can let us know what you’re looking for, including dates, approximate delegate numbers, accommodation requirements and any preferences you may have, we can do the rest. It really is that simple.
What is NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau?
Our convention bureau is a team of dedicated and experienced individuals here to assist conference and event organisers, and help them to bring their event to NewcastleGateshead and the surrounding region.
How much does the service cost?
Nothing! NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the local authorities from both Newcastle and Gateshead, as well as with over 80 private sector organisations across North East England.
Why is your service free?
Our aim is to create an economic impact and raise the profile of the region by helping you to bring your conference to NewcastleGateshead, and as such we offer a wide range of FREE services, including our unbiased advice and venue-finding service.
How can you add value to my conference?
Here at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau we work hard to try and help you make your event a success. As well as providing a first-class venue-finding service, we have also developed a range of products that you can take advantage of when you bring your conference to NewcastleGateshead:
- Conference Travel Card:
To help your delegates take advantage of our fantastic transport infrastructure we have developed an exclusive travel card which allows unlimited travel on our local Metro system and on board our city centre-based QuayLink electric buses.
- Delegate Welcome Pack:
Our legendary warm welcome has now been extended by our welcome pack. FREE of any charge, and available to all overnight delegates attending a conference in North East England, the pack is full of useful information and special discounts and offers from local companies that will help make any visitor’s stay more pleasurable.
Do you help local event organisers?
The Convention Bureau operates a Conference Ambassador Programme to help North East
England-based academics and business leaders create competitive bids to attract national and international conferences to NewcastleGateshead. If you’re a member of a professional society or association and are interested in creating a bid, we have a number of ways in which we can assist you, FREE of any charge.
What help is available for venue-finding agents?
Through NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, you have access to over 80 venues across North East England as well as a range of supporting materials that will help you open your clients’ eyes to this uniquely-inspirational destination. Give us a call and we will be pleased to help with your requirements.
I am a journalist, how can I get more information on NewcastleGateshead?
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau’s PR team is on hand to provide a wealth of useful news stories, facts and figures, quotes and stunning imagery to help you develop and promote stories about NewcastleGateshead and the surrounding area. For more information click here or call Shelley Staines on +44 (0)191 440 5739.
Is NewcastleGateshead a good destination for association-sector conferences?
As a city with two major universities and a reputation for world-class medical research, NewcastleGateshead is a perfect destination for association-sector conferences. Whether it’s for a hundred or a thousand delegates, the city has a range of suitable venues, good quality hotel and university accommodation, great transport links and a range of unique social event settings. The Convention Bureau is your central point of contact to bring the whole package together.
Do you have venues outside NewcastleGateshead and /or in rural locations?
Yes. NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau works with organisations from all over North East England to find you the perfect venue. From Northumberland and Durham to Sunderland and the coast, we represent a whole host of unique and rural venues including castles, country houses, Roman forts, sporting venues and one of the world’s largest tree houses!
What is your largest venue?
The Sage Gateshead is NewcastleGateshead’s largest meetings venue, and it has played host to some of the largest conferences and events in the region over the past few years. With capacity for up to 1,700 delegates in its majestic Hall One, it has seen the Labour Party Spring Conference and Conservative Party Spring Forum in recent years, and is hosting the NUS Conference in 2010 and 2011 and the Liberal Democrats Party Spring Conference in 2012.
How many bedrooms are there in NewcastleGateshead?
Currently there are around 5,500 bedrooms in NewcastleGateshead, ranging from luxury hotels and apartments to budget accommodation and university halls of residence. Our ‘twin-cities’ have undergone a massive redevelopment over the last 10 years, and this is still ongoing. Staybridge Suites and boutique hotel chain Hotel du Vin have recently added to the accommodation on offer in NewcastleGateshead and there are currently plans for several new hotels to be developed on key city locations. These include four-star hotels from Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo.
Where is NewcastleGateshead? How far apart are Newcastle and Gateshead?
Located in North East England, Newcastle (on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (on the south bank) are joined by seven bridges and have been transformed into a single cultural and cosmopolitan destination: NewcastleGateshead. On the Quayside, it takes about one minute to walk across the river via either the historic Swing Bridge, or the stunning Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Does NewcastleGateshead have an airport?
Yes. Newcastle International Airport, just over 20 minutes from the city centre by Metro, is connected to over 250 destinations worldwide, with direct routes to major international hubs including Dubai, Paris and Amsterdam.
How long does it take to get to NewcastleGateshead from London?
NewcastleGateshead is easily accessible by air, rail, road and sea. It has excellent connections from most major cities in the UK, with London being less than three hours away by rail, and 1hr 15mins by air.
Can event organisers claim tax refunds?
Tax reclaim opportunities exist for overseas companies travelling to NewcastleGateshead on business. You and your clients may be eligible to reclaim the 17.5% value added tax on UK business expenses. Commercial tax refund companies can assist you with your reclaim, which can include costs for hotels, restaurants, business entertaining, telecommunications, car hire / taxi, trade shows, conferences, fuel, advertising costs, promotional materials, printing materials / stationery (terms and conditions apply).
How safe is NewcastleGateshead?
NewcastleGateshead is a safe city to visit and visitors usually receive a warm welcome. As in all major European cities, however, it is recommended that you take the usual precautions to protect yourself and your personal belongings. When in the region, in the case of severe emergencies, dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance, and for any other incidents, theft or assault, go to the nearest police station or contact Northumbria Police on 0845 604 3043.
What is the population?
NewcastleGateshead enjoys a wide diversity of ethnic groups and cultures with over 450,000 people living in the city, and over 1 million people living in and around the region.
What is the weather like?
Being in the rain shadow of the North Pennines, NewcastleGateshead is one of the driest cities in the UK. Average temperatures range from 12 to 19 degrees Celsius in the summer, 2 to 15 degrees Celsius in the spring and autumn, and from 1 to 7 degrees Celsius in the winter.
Is there a smoking ban in place?
On 1 July 2007, England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England smoke free. Offices, restaurants, pubs, public transport, hotels, membership clubs and shopping malls are covered by the smoke free legislation.
What is the dialing code for international telephone calls to the UK?
The code to telephone the UK from outside the country is +44. If calling overseas from within the UK, you usually need to dial 00 followed by the country code.
Want to know more information?
If you’ve got a question that we haven’t answered here, give us a call on +44 (0)191 440 5757 or email us at conventionbureau@ngi.org.uk. Our friendly and experienced team is always here to help.