Conference Ambassador Programme

The Conference Ambassador Programme is here to help academics, professionals, researchers and business leaders identify future event opportunities and create a successful bid to host 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’ in partnership with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau (NGI). 

If you provide the scientific, technical or industry knowledge, a network of contacts and programme ideas, NGI work with us to provide high-quality bid documentation, expert knowledge, unbiased advice on venues, social programmes, transport and accommodation, and support throughout the 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.
• Highlight new research and developments.
• Forge links with academic and industry peers.
• Influence the conference programme content.
• Help put us on the map and make a significant contribution to the economic growth of the region.

Partnership with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau 

NGI are experts at handling national and international event enquiries and have worked with Northumbria's event team for a number of years. Their experienced and professional team is here to make it easier for you to bring an event to the region. Their free of charge services includes:

• 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.
• 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.
• Convention Bureau representation - on your organising or host committee.
• Travel advice - information on rail, road, sea and air travel.
• Access to local and national government advocacy

Through the Conference Ambassador Programme in 2024 we were successful in bidding for and hosting The European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA) Conference, The 8th IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications, The Society for Business Ethics Conference, as well as The Future of Evaluation Conference held in January 2025.

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.