Conference and events trends for 2026-27

30 July 2026

Last month NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau exhibited at The Meetings Show in London, one of the largest gatherings of business events professionals in the UK, alongside five other partners. The Biscuit Factory, Crowne Plaza Newcastle, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge and Parkers Chauffeurs joined the team in flying the flag for the region on the North East England stand.

With countless conversations taking place on the stand, event buyers provided valuable insights into the changing, as well as enduring, trends that we are seeing in conferences, meetings and events this year.

One of the key takeaways was the impetus put on experiences. More and more event buyers are looking for premium and personalised experiences for their delegates. In order to attract and retain delegates in a competitive market, organisers must provide memorable and high-quality experiences – think things like tailored travel solutions, a red-carpet welcome, an exceptional keynote speaker or unique social activities or excursions. Check out our latest blog for quirky social programmes your delegates will love.

Alongside this, geopolitical and economic uncertainty remains across the sector meaning that destinations in conjunction with venues and suppliers are increasingly working together to ensure flexibility, convenience and value for money for buyers, as well as delegates. Crowne Plaza Newcastle noted that their quick response time, flexible meeting space, tailored packages and work with local suppliers are key selling points for their meetings and events offer and are driving many of their bookings.

The convention bureau’s free to use service also provides support for buyers and organisers to save time and money during the planning and delivery process. It includes access to the local supply chain, introductions to key contacts in the region and support with things including venue finding, accommodation bookings, familiarisation visits and more.

From a content-perspective, our stand partners found that wellbeing for event attendees remains on the agenda. Organisers are seeking activities, assets or initiatives such as quiet rooms, exercise or art classes and healthy food catering create a well-rounded and inclusive experience that takes into account the mental and physical wellbeing of those attending the event.

The Biscuit Factory’s programme of art classes and creative workshops are perfect for groups as part of a varied social programme that prioritises mindfulness activities for delegates.

This is also paired with an emphasis on accessible and sustainable experiences. No longer simply ‘nice-to-haves’ but an integral part of any event. Venues across the North East are placing a greater focus on food waste management through more accurate catering forecasts as well as consideration to initiatives such as food donation schemes, and things like ramps, hearing loops and accessibility training are integrated into their everyday activity.

Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge has been using specialised event management software that makes that makes the process managing complex dietary requirements and food safety legislation a smoother and more effortless experience for organisers.

Parkers Chauffeurs continues to invest in and expand its electrical vehicle offering, giving organisers the opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of their event. They are also increasing the number of women chauffeurs in their team, providing greater choice for clients requiring a female driver.

The Glasshouse is part of Gateshead’s District Energy Scheme. Generated just a few hundred metres away, the energy and heat used in the building is generated from solar panels and mine water heat pumps meaning the energy in the building is cleaner, more efficient and more affordable.

A final observation from The Meetings Show was the importance of event legacy. Events have the power to create a lasting positive impact and both organisers and destinations are increasingly prioritising this when bringing an event to the region. For example, the International Society for Political Psychology hosted The Academy ahead of their main conference in Newcastle this year which saw 60 students and post-doctorate attendees come to the city to learn more about political psychology with ISPP instructors leading the sessions. Delegates to this pre-event then received fully-funded tickets to the main conference for the remainder of the week.

Initiatives like this boost the impact of an event, engage the next generation of professionals and increase the diversity of a conference with new ideas and perspectives brought into the discussion.

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau will work with event organisers to create bespoke legacy activities and with local businesses to ensure we are continuing to meet the needs of event buyers, making it make even more sense to bring their events here.

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