NewcastleGateshead celebrates conference success

NewcastleGateshead has further enhanced its reputation as one of the UK's leading business destinations with the resounding success of the largest commercial conference held in the region.

Nearly 3,350 delegates descended on NewcastleGateshead for the retail property organisation BCSC's Annual conference, which was held at The Sage Gateshead.

This figure represents a significant increase on previous years and the organisers were delighted to achieve this record number.

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: "The event provided a unique opportunity to profile new retail development opportunities in Pilgrim Street, Eldon Square and Gateshead Town Centre areas.

"Hotels, restaurants and bars have been bursting at the seams as people enjoyed the warm and friendly Geordie hospitality".

The three-day event attracted key influencers from the retail property market and provided an essential networking opportunity for local property expert, Kevan Carrick of JK Consultants, who commented: "Even if we had spent the whole month in London we couldn't have achieved the level of contacts and business introductions that the conference brought to our doorstep".

One of North-East England's most successful retailers, Greggs, picked up an award for the best retail exhibitor at the conference.

John Rook, Group Property Director, said: "The showcase has been a huge success for the company as it has drawn our products to the attention of developers throughout the UK".

In addition to receiving positive feedback from delegates and organisers, keynote speaker Sir Bob Geldof also praised the region naming it as' the best place in the world to play a gig' during his speech about sustainability in Africa.

Jessica Roberts, Head of Business Tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, is delighted that the conference has proved to be a real hit with organisers and delegates: "NewcastleGateshead has attracted many high-profile conferences through our ability to provide added value and exceed the expectations of conference organisers and delegates.

"For the BCSC, a semi-permanent structure of over 5000m2 was specially constructed to house the massive trade show - an excellent example of just how flexible NewcastleGateshead can be in responding to conference organisers' demands".

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