Meet the Women behind NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau

7 March 2025

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau team works to position Newcastle and Gateshead as a prime destination for a variety of events, conferences and meetings – highlighting the strengths of the region’s key industries, world-class accommodation, unique event spaces and the range of social activities on offer.

Behind the scenes two incredible women, Caroline Reed and Allison Curry, lead the team who last year attracted more than 55 events to the region and almost 7,000 delegates. With numerous years of experience and expertise, they offer to clients who are looking to host an event here a bespoke service that helps to deliver memorable delegate experiences as well as valuable business for the region.

We caught up with Caroline and Allison to hear about how they got started in business events and their experiences of being a woman in the industry.

How did you first get into the business events industry?

Allison: Having worked in hospitality for over 35 years in different departments, I really got a feel for the different areas of the industry. I quickly realised how much I loved the client interaction side of Meeting & Events sales and took it from there!

Caroline: I studied Hotel & Hospitality Management at Strathclyde University before moving to Newcastle where I started as the Reservations Office at Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park (where Allison was actually my first boss!)

After this, I moved into sales roles within Copthorne Newcastle before joining the NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau team, where I am now Senior Manager for Business Events.

What’s your favourite thing about working in events?

Allison: My favourite thing about working within this industry is building lasting relationships with our clients. From offering accommodation support to assistance in finding the right venue, I love helping conference organisers and clients find everything they need for their event at the right price.

Caroline: One of my favourite things about working in business events is the variety of roles and experiences you get to be part of. Whether it’s attending a trade show, hosting a dinner or site visit, replying to an enquiry, or managing the North East England Tourism Awards, I love giving back to the place I live and showing visitors around our fabulous region!

What’s it like being a woman in this industry?

Allison: Being a woman working in business events means I get the chance to meet and work with so many like-minded, strong, organised women every day. I’ve met so many fantastic women throughout my career and it makes me proud to be a part of this industry.

Caroline: It’s fabulous! We’re lucky that our industry is very open and welcoming and gives you opportunities to build friendship for life not just with people in our region, but your counterparts in other regions. It’s like having a big support network all across the country!

What would your tips be for women who have just started in this industry or who want to enter it?

Allison: Every day brings a new opportunity to shine and be the best version of you! As long as you keep the passion for what you do, you’ll always succeed.

Caroline: Make sure to always be looking at and connecting with organisations or people and start building your network as soon as you can. It’s a massive industry full of other women who will support you along your journey.

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