The importance to the North-East economy in hosting conferences in the region has been highlighted in recent months by two high-profile events.
The Labour Party's annual conference in February injected an estimated £3m into regional business, whilst securing its reputation as a world-class centre for tourism.
More than 2,500 delegates attended the three-day event at The Sage, Gateshead, boosting not only that venue's profile globally but those of hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions in the region.
A similar £3m hike in income was experienced last month thanks to the National Union of Teachers conference (also held at The Sage). The event, one of the biggest in the conference calendar attracted more than 1,500 delegates, their partners and journalists to the region at the start of the mainstream tourism summer season.
And a trade show aimed at ensuring the area hosts many more such valuable conferences has been announced for May. The North-East Business Tourism and Corporate Hospitality Show will be held at the Metro Radio Arena on May 20.
NewcastleGateshead Initiative commercial director, Ian Taylor, says: "When delegates are not at the conference itself they're spending money.
"We also know that 40pc of conference delegates will return as leisure visitors to the region, often with family and friends, providing yet another valuable source of income."
The Metro Radio Arena event is set to generate more inquiries about just the kind of business Ian Taylor is looking to attract. Businesses involved in the corporate hospitality sector will be promoting their offerings to an expected audience of more than 800 buyers at the event, organised by Carol Hodgson of Ingenious Promotions.
"The North-East is an ideal location," she says. "The problem currently is that not enough key decision-makers are aware of what we have to offer."
The NewcastleGateshead conference industry alone is currently worth over £72m. By the end of the 2005, this figure is set to increase to £100m with more businesses realising the many benefits that the area's world-class cultural infrastructure and a stunning backdrop can add to their conference.
