ICES Annual Science Conference | 2024

Can you briefly summarise what your conference is about?

ICES Annual Science Conference is the flagship event of International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which showcases the science, research and networking opportunities which ICES provides to our community. The conference addressed the critical science and advisory challenges that face the ICES community, in the UK, and beyond. Biodiversity loss, marine climate change, pollution and energy security. By bringing together the collective expertise, in knowledge exchange, we have strengthened our partnerships, evidence and advice, working together to support healthy and productive marine ecosystems.

Why was Newcastle the perfect fit for this event?

Newcastle was identified for the conference for several reasons. Logistically it provided the best facilities at the lowest cost for the conference needs. We required a conference centre capable of supporting office space, meeting rooms, a large public concourse, and capacity to accommodate 5 large lecture theatre style rooms with the largest requiring a minimum capacity of 800, which The Glasshouse was able to provide. We also required a location with sufficient national and international travel connections which both Newcastle Train Station and Newcastle Airport provided.

Hosting the conference in Gateshead and Newcastle also aligned with the ‘Northern Powerhouse Strategy’ which was a government priority at the time booking to promote and support the north of the UK, highlighting the excellent science, industry, and culture that it has to offer. As this was a marine and fisheries science conference, the proximity to the sea and multiple large university campuses which have a marine biology interest (including the Dove Marine Laboratory where we hosted an early careers researcher event) as well as the significance of fishing and other maritime industry activities, provided further routes for engagement.

Tell us about any Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives you delivered as part of the event?

Through the event we partnered with the Watch House Museum, using it as a venue for an Ice Breaker event, encouraging attendees to visit the museum in the evening for tours and raising money for the museum through a clothes swap event.

The conference also displayed a photo exhibition from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Newcastle University, outlining the reality of fisher’s experiences for attendees to reflect on whilst considering their research.

The conference delivered a programme aimed especially at Early Career Scientists in the ICES community. This included a skills workshop on the importance of graphic design in scientific publishing, held at the Dove Marine Lab, and attended by 40 keen participants from across the ICES community. There was a mentor programme to welcome ECS to the ICES conference, special ECS pop-up lectures, and earmarked travel funds to attend the conference.

How did NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau help you with this event?

When initially approached NGI provided us a regional promotional video to promote the conference to international attendees. NGI then continued to engage with the communications group for the conference, giving us excellent local insight, connections to businesses in the area and local support for printing and press engagement following the conference.