Good Evans for business boosting bureau
2nd February 2012
Categories: Convention Bureau News
The former International Association Sales Manager at Edinburgh International Conference Centre has taken the helm at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau following the departure of Jessica Roberts as Head of Business Tourism in December.
Adrian Evans joins the Bureau as Senior Business Tourism Manager and brings with him in depth knowledge of the association market and experience working in some of the UK’s largest conference and events centres.
Speaking on his appointment Adrian said: “I am delighted to join the well established and successful team at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau. Already, I have been impressed with the tenacity and dedication displayed in driving forward business tourism for the destination and I hope to bring my experience from a cross-section of the conference sector to lead and enhance the overall strength of the existing team.”
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is part of destination marketing and management organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative; Chief Executive Sarah Stewart said: “We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to NewcastleGateshead Initiative. It is an exciting time for the organisation, as our latest figures show that business tourism is worth an estimated £277m annually to the destination. I have no doubt that Adrian’s skills and experience will help the team grow their successful track record in attracting high profile national and international events.”
In 2012 NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau will continue to build its relationships with leading industry bodies to increase the profile of the destination and champion the events industry locally and nationally. As such NewcastleGateshead Initiative will continue to support Gateshead Council and the private sector to drive forward plans for an International Conference and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) on Gateshead Quays, on the proposed development Adrian commented: “I hope that my experience gained working within major venues like Manchester and Edinburgh will assist in the development of the proposed ICEC and help to propel the business and destination significantly forward.”
Starting his career in business development roles with leading brands including Whitbread and Adidas, Adrian made the move to the conference and events sector in 2000 joining what is now known as Manchester Central as Corporate Sales Manager, where he worked for five years as part of the team responsible for opening the Manchester International Convention Centre. Following this, Adrian took the post at Edinburgh International Conference Centre, where for four years he developed the centre’s presence in the international association market before joining Q Hotels to launch and develop the chains association sales function.
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau will be exhibiting at International Confex, to meet Adrian and the team, or to learn more about bringing an event to NewcastleGateshead visit the destination stand, B210.
Ends.
For media enquiries or interviews with Adrian contact:
Shelley Armstrong
Media & PR Manager
T. +44 (0)191 440 5739
M. +44 (0)771 763 1109
E. shelley.armstrong@ngi.org.uk
Notes to editors:
• NewcastleGateshead Initiative is a destination marketing and management agency; a public-private partnership supported by Gateshead and Newcastle City Councils, working with around 165 private sector member organisations across NewcastleGateshead and the wider region.
All of our activity aims to promote and position NewcastleGateshead as a world-class vibrant tourism destination, through targeted marketing and PR campaigns nationally and internationally and through the work of our cultural programming team and convention bureau.
NewcastleGateshead Initiative is supported by a board offering expertise from a range of sectors and professions. We also work with a wide range of partners, stakeholders and businesses, who share our ambition to promote NewcastleGateshead as a world-class place in which to live, learn, work, and visit.
• NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau’s mission is to position and promote NewcastleGateshead as a leading European destination for leisure and business visitors through event bidding and high-profile, targeted destination marketing and PR activity.
Our Convention Bureau uses local knowledge and expertise to help organise conferences, meetings or events in NewcastleGateshead and the surrounding area. It provides a free service including arranging everything from venue sourcing and booking to accommodation, transport and entertainment for delegates. With a huge choice of state-of-the-art venues NewcastleGateshead is fast becoming one of the UK’s most popular destinations whether it’s for a meeting of 10 people or a conference for thousands.
• United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south bank) form a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination. World-class culture, vibrant nightlife, award-winning dining, inspiring heritage, fantastic shopping and acclaimed architecture are combined here like nowhere else, by the famous Geordie spirit which is symbolised by Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North as it welcomes travellers to the area.
Imagery / Photography opportunities:
• www.NewcastleGateshead.com/Images - NewcastleGateshead’s Initiative’s extensive royalty free image library
Useful links:
• www.NewcastleGateshead.com/Media - NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s media website
• www.NewcastleGateshead.com/Meet - business meeting and event specific website for NewcastleGateshead