Conference Ambassador Programme

The Conference Ambassador Programme is run by the Venues at Northumbria team in partnership with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau (NGI). The programme aims to help academics to identify future event opportunities and create a successful bid to host a conference at Northumbria University.

When considering where to hold its next conference, an association or society can be strongly influenced by the input of a local member. The final decision is often based on a competitive process with bids spearheaded by local ‘conference ambassadors’. We would like to support our academics to take on this ambassador role.  

If you provide the scientific, technical or industry knowledge, a network of contacts and programme ideas, we can provide provide high-quality bid documentation, expert knowledge, unbiased advice on venues, social programmes, transport and accommodation, and support throughout the event management process. 

Why become a Conference Ambassador

If your work is cutting edge and you’re making waves in your field, tell the world! Working together to bring a conference to Northumbria is a great way to showcase that your research is at the forefront of change and innovation.

• Raise the profile of your work and organisation across the UK and internationally.
• Be recognised as a leader in your field of expertise.
• Positive outcomes for REF
• Forge links with academic and industry peers.
• Create publication opportunities for your department 
• Conferences are a growing source of income for the University. 

What we can support with

Our experienced and professional team along with colleagues at NGI can support with: 

• Bid preparation - composing tailored bid documents and presentation materials.
• Venue finding and booking - checking rates and availability and providing unbiased advice.
• Familiarisation visits - organising inspection trips to potential venues.
• Organising logistics eg. room booking, catering, AV, risk assessment 
• Creating a webpage and payment page if required 
• Advice on sponsorship packages and help to create a sponsorships brochure 
• Online accommodation booking service - arranging bedroom allocations and managing bookings.
• Support tools - providing images to enhance your marketing materials, and up-to-date visitor guides and maps for your delegates.
• Support services - sourcing providers of transport, specialist event managers and audio-visual equipment.
• Social programmes - arranging unique entertainment and social itineraries.
• General advice - guidance on conference planning, budgeting and marketing.
• Travel advice and discounts - information on rail, road, sea and air travel.
• Access to local and national government advocacy

Since we launched the Conference Ambassador programme back in October 2023, we have supported Ambassadors to bring 9 conferences to Northumbria University, and successfully win 6 bids for conferences taking place from 2026-2028.

If you have any questions about the programme, you are a member of an association that could host an event at Northumbria, or you are considering bidding for an event please get in touch using the form below.