FUSE

The third International Conference on Knowledge Exchange in Public Health took place 27-28 April 2016 under the theme “Evidence to impact in public health” – organised by Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health.

Overview
The focus of the conference was what actually counts as ‘evidence’ and how can we use this to make a real impact on people’s health and wellbeing?

As Fuse is a collaboration of the five universities in North East England, NewcastleGateshead was viewed as an ideal city location for the conference – perfectly located to attract local academics, policy and practice partners and other stakeholders. Organisers found there was an abundance of high quality options in regards to accommodation and amenities and finalised on the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead to hold their event.

Academics and other users of research from Australia, Canada, Europe and America gathered in NewcastleGateshead in North East England to exchange ideas, evidence and expertise.  The event was co-sponsored by Tranzo (scientific centre for care and welfare) at Tilburg University in the Netherlands and the World Health Organization (WHO), Regional Office for Europe.

The presentations covered a variety of topics including the impact of evidence, information and research.

Keynote speakers included Dr Claudia Stein, Director of the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation at WHO/Europe; Professor Hans van Oers, of Tilburg University in the Netherlands; Professor John Lavis of McMaster University in Canada; and Dr Bev Holmes of the Michael Smith Foundation, Canada.  The international speakers joined Professor Rosemary Rushmer, from Teesside University, who led the organisation of the conference for Fuse.

Social Programme
Delegates were given a relaxing social programme including access to the Hilton spa and pool facilities, a yoga class during lunchtime on day one of the conference and lunchtime walking tours of NewcastleGateshead.

Delegates were also treated to a drinks reception, canapés and music performance on the first evening of the conference, followed by a conference dinner on the River Terrace at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

Support from NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau sourced a number of venue options to host the conference as well as the conference dinner and quotes for AV support. The bureau prepared a proposal including room hire and day delegate rates. Following this the conference organisers were give site tours of selected venues and discussed any further requirements around the conference and dinner, scheduling additional meetings – such as menu tasting.

In addition the bureau set up the accommodation website with a variety of hotels to suit difference budgets – providing the organisers with reports of which delegates had booked into the hotels.

The bureau also provided a welcome stand for the first day of the conference, providing a dedicated member of the team to provide local knowledge to delegates on what to do and see in NewcastleGateshead as well as the best way to get around.