In a sector where events play a crucial role in bringing professionals together, the ability to grow in size, impact, and reputation is everything. And for two of the region’s most active built-environment organisations, NAWIC North East and Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE), that growth has been fuelled in no small part by their partnership with Crowne Plaza Newcastle.
Few people have witnessed this firsthand more than Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of CENE and Events Coordinator for NAWIC North East, who oversees some of the most recognised events in the regional construction calendar.
“Choosing the right venue is critical,” Catriona says. “Our events rely on seamless delivery, a welcoming atmosphere, and a team that understands what we’re trying to achieve. That’s why Crowne Plaza Newcastle has become our trusted partner.”
When NAWIC North East first brought its annual Ball to Crowne Plaza Newcastle, around 150 people attended. Today, the gathering welcomes 250 guests, making it one of the highlights of the region’s construction calendar.
“The NAWIC Ball has doubled in size,” Catriona explains. “Our events have grown because of the hotel. The service is so good — it really makes a difference.”
And the growth shows up in unexpected ways. At the most recent Ball, a guest approached Catriona at the end of the evening to say they wanted to sponsor the following year. “I thought it was just the excitement of the night talking,” she says, “but they emailed on the Sunday confirming it. That’s the impact of a well-run event.”
Crowne Plaza Newcastle hosts a substantial part of the North East’s built-environment events — from glamorous gala evenings to high-level industry meetings.
For NAWIC North East, the hotel also hosts a range of seminars that support women across the construction sector. For CENE, Crowne Plaza Newcastle is the home of their First Friday Networking series, their AGM, the All In Inclusion Conference, as well as seminars, workshops, development sessions, and their Awards Launch. The result is a venue deeply embedded in the rhythm of the construction industry, able to support everything from leadership conferences to intimate professional gatherings and high-energy sector-wide celebrations.
Catriona adds: “What makes the hotel stand out is that they understand the nature of our events — they get who we are, they get our industry. That makes a huge difference.”
“I also love the Stevenson Suite,” Catriona says. “The oval shape gives it a warm feel even though it’s a large room. It photographs beautifully — especially for our Ball with all the décor. It always looks stunning.”
Beyond aesthetics, location is another factor in the event’s success. “Being right next to Central Station, close to the Metro and surrounded by car parks is a massive advantage,” she explains. “We’ve had chief executives, international colleagues, and speakers stay there before events. It’s so convenient — and that convenience helps attendance grow.”
More than anything, Catriona attributes the growth of NAWIC and CENE’s events to the people behind the venue.
“We keep going back because of the team,” she says simply. “They make things workable. They advise on everything from menus and formats to timings. They go the extra mile – they’re proper partners.”
As organisations without huge in-house events departments, NAWIC and CENE depend on a venue that can function as an extension of their own teams. “It’s those little touches,” she adds. “You feel welcomed and looked after the moment you walk in.”
This trust allows her teams to focus on content, community-building, and creating memorable experiences — confident that the operational delivery will be flawless.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the need for high-quality, high-impact events grows with it. With Crowne Plaza Newcastle, NAWIC North East, and CENE have found not just a venue, but a partner invested in their success.
“For us, it’s simple,” Catriona says. “Crowne Plaza Newcastle isn’t just where we hold our events. They help us grow them.”
