North East England heads to The Meetings Show 2026

11 June 2026

The North East of England will be putting its business events offer in the spotlight this month as NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau attends The Meetings Show at ExCeL London from 24–25 June.

This year, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau will be joined by five regional partners to highlight why the North East is an exciting and highly collaborative destination for conferences, meetings and events. As one of the UK’s leading trade shows for the meetings and events industry, The Meetings Show brings together event organisers, buyers, destinations, venues and suppliers from across the sector.

The regional delegation includes The Biscuit Factory, Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge, Crowne Plaza Newcastle, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Parkers Chauffeurs, each representing a different part of the North East’s varied events offer, from creative venues and riverside hotels to world-class cultural spaces and executive transport services.

Events like these, play an important role in supporting the growth of the region’s visitor economy, which is now worth £7 billion.

Gaynor Ellis, Senior Manager – Business Events at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said:

“The Meetings Show comes at a time of real momentum for our region’s business events sector, with major events including UKInbound, Media Getaway and the ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter Meeting all set to take place in Newcastle and Gateshead over the coming year.

“With our rich heritage and history and stunning natural assets seamlessly combined with cutting-edge research and innovation, we’re a diverse region that is ready to welcome delegates from all over the world.

“We’re thrilled to be joined by our stand partners who represent some of the best venues and services for meetings and events. Our delegation is a real reflection of the collaborative nature of the North East and the ease in which it is to do business here. I look forward to meeting buyers and organisers next week and showcase why the North East is an exceptional destination for business events.”

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau and its Stand Partners

For organisers looking for city centre accommodation and conference facilities, Crowne Plaza Newcastle offers 251 luxurious bedrooms, including accessible and family rooms, alongside nine purpose-built meeting rooms in its dedicated conference centre. Located in the heart of the city, it provides a convenient base for both business and leisure visitors.

Also close to the city centre, is the Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge overlooking the iconic Tyne Bridge. The hotel has recently completed a £5 million refurbishment of its 254 bedrooms, as well as improvements to its cocktail bar, which offers spectacular views across the Quayside.

For event transport, Parkers Chauffeurs provides discreet, secure and confidential travel options for individuals and groups. Its fleet includes vehicles for two passengers through to executive group transport, with electric vehicles available for more sustainable journeys. The company has experience supporting high-profile events including the MOBO Awards and Sport Travel.

Creative art gallery The Biscuit Factory brings something different to the mix. The independent venue offers a range of distinctive spaces for events from 10 to 300 guests, including The Biscuit Room, The Garden Room and Artisan. Its combination of characterful surroundings, experienced staff and high-quality food makes it a flexible choice for meetings, private events and celebrations.

On the banks of the Tyne, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music offers event spaces designed around world-class acoustics, bold architecture and expert in-house support. Its flexible spaces, welcoming atmosphere and cultural setting make it a memorable option for organisers looking for something beyond a traditional corporate venue.

Region’s New Developments

Alongside its established venues and suppliers, the North East continues to attract hospitality and leisure investment. New and emerging additions include Hotel Gotham, a five-star hotel in a Grade II listed former fire station, police station and magistrates’ court; Freight Island, a food, drink and music-led destination above the city centre; British Esports Arena – the upcoming gaming and esports multi-use venue in Sunderland, able to host live events, broadcasts, conferences and more; and Newcastle’s Grainger Market, which now includes a new indoor exhibition and events space suitable for cultural events, temporary art installations, leisure activity, community events and national event promotion.

Together, these venues and developments reflect the combination of the region’s heritage, culture, creativity, innovation.

Event organisers and buyers can meet NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau and its partners at The Meetings Show on stand C81 at ExCeL London from 24–25 June.

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