People Blog Series: Meet Haley Woodman

People Blog Series: Haley Woodman, Sales Manager

“Conferences aren’t just about content anymore — they’re about connection.”

That’s the belief of Haley Woodman, Sales Manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, who has been helping clients create impactful events in the city for over 20 years.

From large residential conferences, international association congresses, and charity galas, Haley has seen the role of events evolve — and she knows that today, planners are looking for memorable experiences that leave a mark.

In this interview, Haley shares her top event trends and why Crowne Plaza Newcastle is a standout choice for organisers.

What event trends are you noticing?

We’re seeing more demand for informal, social experiences. Street food is popular for dinners, and clients want to build in networking time because so many teams now work remotely. Conferences aren’t just about content anymore — they’re about connection.

Our mezzanine space and Club Lounge lend themselves well to this — they give delegates those informal “watercooler moments” that spark collaboration.

How do you approach winning event business?

Sometimes it takes years of persistence before you get the win. One dinner took me five years of calling every year — but when the client was ready for a change, they remembered me. Relationships are everything.

We also make sure we’re quick, detailed, and creative in our proposals. Agents often say they wish more venues would send quotes with the level of information we do. For us, it’s standard, but it makes us stand out.

You’ve secured some exclusive-use events. How important is that?

It’s rare, but it’s powerful. We’ve just confirmed an exclusive-use event for the Chief Ambulance Officers in 2027, taking all bedrooms and meeting space. They loved the idea of making the hotel entirely their own, which many venues won’t allow. Flexibility like that is definitely a selling point.

Can you share an event that really stands out?

Rotary International last year was a big one — delegates came from all over the world for a week-long conference. We won the pitch because we were flexible and the client felt a personal connection with us.

That happens a lot: people choose Newcastle because of a link with the city — they studied here, have family ties — and they want to bring their colleagues back.

Accessibility is another reason. Because we’re purpose-built, we meet modern standards without the compromises you sometimes get in older hotels. That’s helped us secure events like the EIC Conference on accessibility and inclusion.

What makes Crowne Plaza Newcastle stand out to planners?

The friendliness and flexibility of our staff are mentioned time and again in feedback. Location is another big factor — we’re on the riverside, right in the city centre, just a six-minute walk from the train station. That makes us far more accessible than some of our competitors.

And what about Newcastle as a destination?

Newcastle offers the best of both worlds. It’s affordable compared to London or Edinburgh, and everything’s close together — you can walk between venues, restaurants, and attractions in 15–20 minutes.

Plus, the region itself adds to the delegate experience. We’ve had groups head to the coast for fish and chips, visit Durham Cathedral for gala dinners, or climb Grey’s Monument as part of a fam trip. There’s history, architecture, culture, and the beach all within easy reach.

What types of events or sectors are you focused on growing?

Large residential conferences are a big focus, alongside more Saturday night awards dinners.

Construction is a strong sector for us, thanks to our long-term partnership with Constructing Excellence and the monthly First Friday networking club we host. That network has led to many dinners and conferences with the Chartered Institute of Building, RTPI, NAWIC, and more.

We also work closely with charities — from St Oswald’s Hospice to the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF). For CHUF, we host a completely free Christmas party every year for up to 350 children and families. It’s a highlight for us and gets amazing feedback.

Looking ahead, we’d like to attract more association events, student society balls, and graduation celebrations.

Finally, how do you and your team go above and beyond for clients?

It’s about listening and tailoring. We don’t just send standard quotes — we ask what clients really want, suggest ideas they may not have thought of, and keep in touch long-term.

Whether it’s hosting charity events, rearranging our bar into an exhibition space, or making a conference truly inclusive, we’ll always find a way.