Destination: Newcastle

Newcastle has been transformed in the last few years into one of Europe's premier destinations, with iconic structures such as the Tyne Bridge and the Angel of the North. Every year the Great North Run showcases the fine architecture and coastal scenes Newcastle has to offer, which perhaps explains why it was voted the nation's favourite city-break destination in the Guardian/Observer travel awards for four consecutive years, from 2002 to 2005. "In just a few years NewcastleGateshead has become one of Europe's leading conference destinations," according to Conference News. "A bold strategy has turned the image of brown ale and shipyards into a vibrant, dynamic and cultural meeting place," the news provider asserts, making it the perfect place to take delegates. *Day One* The "Hilton Newcastle Gateshead":http://www.venues.org.uk/venues/hilton_newcastle_gateshead is the ideal hotel for events organisers looking to impress. Practicality meets wow-factor at the venue, which is five minutes walk from Gateshead metro station, just one stop from Newcastle Central, 20 minutes drive to the international airport and a short journey from the A1. Delegates can wine and dine in the Tyne Bar and Lounge while enjoying stunning views of the river and its famous bridge. The health and fitness club offers the perfect place to relax, where conference-goers can swim in the heated pool, indulge in the Quayside Spa, treat themselves to a manicure facial or massage, or even top up their tan in the solarium. Wireless internet access in all public areas of the hotel means delegates can stay connected using high-speed broadband throughout their visit. The extensive meetings and conference facilities mean that the conference can be self-contained, although a visit to Newcastle would not be complete without a trip to the world-famous "St James' Park":http://www.venues.org.uk/venues/newcastle_united_fc. "Newcastle's football ground":http://www.venues.org.uk/venues/newcastle_united_fc can cater for parties of all sizes with room for between ten and 40 delegates in the executive boxes and suites for groups of 40 to 160 guests. In the evening, events organisers should book "Tiger Tiger":http://www.venues.org.uk/venues/tiger_tiger_newcastle, which offers a wide variety of cuisine to suit all palates. For those who want to make a night of it, the venue includes a night club as well as restaurant and events space. *Day Two* Slow it down on the second day of the event, spending the morning in the boardroom and the afternoon on river. A sightseeing cruise is the ideal way to show delegates the sites in a relaxed setting. River Escapes offers two options, a three-hour trip taking passengers from the quayside to the sea from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Tyne Gorge to the river mouth, or a two-hour journey upriver to Ryton Willows, combining town and country views. For a cultured final evening, take delegates to the Sage Gateshead, home to the Northern Sinfonia. The building is an attraction in itself, while inside visitors can see a variety of performances from a range of musical styles, including pop, rock, classical, jazz and folk. Whatever programme events organisers choose, conference-goers are unlikely to be disappointed by the friendly Geordie city, which has stylishly combined its industrial heritage with modern design.