Member Article

NewcastleGateshead scores £2m conference

NewcastleGateshead has been chosen to host a prestigious conference next year. Retail property organisation The British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) has chosen the Sage Gateshead as the venue for its 2007 showcase, which is estimated to bring £2m to the region.

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “This massive trade event will be the largest commercial event of this kind we have ever staged and will not only benefit the area economically but will also allow us to demonstrate the vibrancy and vitality of NewcastleGateshead as a destination in which to live work and visit.”

The annual event regularly attracts more than 2,500 participants including retailers, developers, landlords, architects, agents, local authority representatives and others interested in the retail sector. The organisers hope that the local hospitality industry will also benefit from the event, anticipating that hotels, restaurants and bars will be full during the three-day conference.

Jessica Roberts, Acting Head of Business Tourism for NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: “The scale and magnitude of this event simply cannot be underestimated. Early indications suggest that bringing the conference here could have an economic impact for the region of over £2m. “The calibre of delegates who are attracted to this annual event is also important and this presents us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer as a destination to some very influential people.

The 2007 conference, which will take place between 5 and 7 November, will see delegates discuss industry thinking on new retail concepts and destinations. Exhibition bookings for the 2007 BCSC conference and showcase will open in spring 2007.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .