The event was secured on the back of NewcastleGateshead’s strengths in science and healthcare as well as its historic links to the development of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Organiser verdict:
Questions answered by Simon Pearce (SP) Professor of Endocrinology at Newcastle University and Susanne Rothe (SR) European Thyroid Association Standing Office.
Why did you choose to bring your conference to NewcastleGateshead?
SP: The meeting rotates between different EU countries each year but hadn’t been to the UK since 2003 (in Edinburgh). It was time to have it back in the UK.
SR: Depending on the offers there is a rotation between different EU countries.
Did you have to bid to host the conference?
SP: There was a bidding process but it was more when would they accept the bid rather than whether it would be back in the UK.
SR: Only members of the ETA, not private companies, can make a bid to host the Annual Meeting and it must be approved by the General Assembly.
What do you feel you benefitted from bringing the event to NewcastleGateshead?
SP: A lot of hard work, but some personal kudos when the delegates loved the venue and the meeting content.
SR: Meeting new people and a fantastic new location.
How do you feel your delegates benefitted from the event being hosted in NewcastleGateshead?
SP: Many delegates had no expectation and were pleasantly surprised by NewcastleGateshead. We had very positive feedback about the historical / cultural attractions and the restaurants and shopping opportunities.
SR: Meeting and exploring a completely new place and maybe they will consider coming back in their own time or due to new business contacts.
How did NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau support in the organisation of your event?
SP: Helped arrange looking round different conference venues and suggesting dinner venues. Helped with a visit from the exec committee when they came to the city. Created and managed online hotel booking website, as well as providing maps and local information at the meeting.
SR: Great support regarding hotel and group bookings (created and hosted the online hotel booking) and provided maps and local information.
Testimonial for NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau:
SP: Good job, easy to work with and had good knowledge of available local resources. Thanks!
SR: It was a pleasure to work together with Caroline, she provided us with a lot of information about Newcastle and supported us on hotel bookings.