Challenger Society Conference 2018

Challenger Society Conference 2018 provided a fantastic showcase of marine science, covering all areas of ocean research.

Conference background:
Challenger Society Conference 2018 provided a fantastic showcase of marine science, covering all areas of ocean research. Areas of discussion included our oceans and climate, the rising tide of our human impact, fuel for ocean life, ecosystems, innovation in autonomy, polar extremes and deep environments. Alongside the formal conference programme, there was also a range of special interest groups and community meetings.

Newcastle University also welcomed Prince Albert II during the conference where he was made an honorary lifetime member of the Challenger Society and gave a keynote speech. An enthusiastic advocate of environmental stewardship, he established The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2006 to address our planet’s alarming environmental situation.

Organiser verdict:
Questions answered by Sheree Ibbetson, Marketing and Communications Officer in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at Newcastle University.

Why did you choose to bring your conference to NewcastleGateshead?
The Challenger Society committee rotates its conference around the country and this year it fell to Newcastle University to host. Newcastle University provided fantastic facilities for hosting including a large room for exhibitors and delegates with lecture theatres close by. NewcastleGateshead is an amazing place to visit with so much to offer the delegates when not at the conference. The Quayside, Dean Street, Great North Museum and Discovery Museum are all just a stone’s throw away from the city centre.

What do you feel you benefitted from bringing the event to NewcastleGateshead?
As organisers we benefited from using NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau because of the amount of time it saved us looking up various venues and contacting them. Liaising with various organisations is very time consuming and they helped us with this.

How do you feel your delegates benefitted from the event being hosted in NewcastleGateshead?
The delegates benefitted by using the accommodation link knowing that they would get a decent price for their accommodation and the fact they didn’t have to search for hotels in a location they knew very little about.

How did NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau support in the organisation of your event?
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau supported us by providing input into dinner venues and accommodation. Caroline was, as always, extremely helpful and was on hand if needed all of the way. We have relied on the Convention Bureau many times before and with great success.