“Nobody Wants Two Days of PowerPoint”: Why Experiences, Entertainment and Fun Are Now Key to Meetings
It’s a throwaway comment from Katie Gallagher, Sales Executive at Crowne Plaza Newcastle — but it neatly sums up where the events industry is heading.
“People want experiences,” she says. “They want entertainment. They want fun.”
And increasingly, event planners want venues and event teams who understand that audiences need more than just content. They want connection, personality and experiences people actually remember.
For Katie, that starts long before delegates arrive.
“People don’t always remember the little operational things,” she says. “But they remember the person. They remember how you made them feel.”
It’s a mindset that’s helping Katie quickly establish herself as one of the industry’s emerging talents — recently picking up Silver Rising Star at the Meetings Industry Association awards and securing a place on The Tomorrow’s Talent programme with The Meetings Show.
Spend five minutes chatting to her and what comes across immediately is warmth, honesty and proper Geordie energy.
“I just genuinely love people,” she laughs. “I love getting to know clients, having a chat, finding out what they’re into. I’m basically just a gossip.”
That people-first approach says a lot about both Katie and Newcastle’s growing reputation as a meetings destination.
“Once people get to Newcastle, they get it.”
For Katie, the city’s rise in the business events world comes down to something simple: the people.
“Everyone always says how friendly Newcastle is once they visit,” she says. “People are approachable here. It feels welcoming.”
With growing investment, an expanding hospitality scene, and major events such as the MOBO Awards and the UEFA EUROs coming to the region, Newcastle is attracting more association conferences and corporate events than ever before.
With association events her core focus, Katie reflects on a recent standout medical conference hosted at the hotel, where immersive performers and live drama were woven throughout the event experience.
“There were actors performing in the lobby and loads of creative touches,” Katie says. “It was really different, but it worked because it reflected the organiser’s personality.”
“Every client is different, every event is different, and there’s so much teamwork involved.”
For Katie, that’s where great events happen — when organisers feel listened to and supported to bring bigger ideas to life.
“Clients want to feel valued now,” she says. “Not just like another number through the door.”
A people business
As for what excites her most about the industry, Katie points straight back to Newcastle itself.
“There’s so much happening here now,” she says. “More events, more investment, more opportunities. I’d love to keep helping put Newcastle on the map.”
And after speaking to her, it’s easy to see why Newcastle’s events industry is gaining momentum.
Because venues matter. Logistics matter. Production matters. Yet ultimately, events are still a people business.
