Figures released today indicate that Newcastle and the surrounding region, can look forward to a couple of ‘bumper years’ of conferences in 2008 and 2009.

Newcastle Visitor & Convention Bureau revealed that a record number of advanced bookings for major conventions have been confirmed as far ahead as 2010 to a total estimated value of $18.5m as at 1^st November 2007.

 “This represents an increase in $value of advanced bookings of 81% compared with the same time last year and a 100% increase in delegate days (to 55, 265)” said Ruth Appleby, Conventions Manager of Newcastle Visitor & Convention Bureau.

 “It is important to note that this accounts for the multi day conferences only and does not include all the single day & part day events (i.e. not requiring accommodation – usually local attendees) that take place and generally accounts for approx 40% of the enquiries we handle” she said.

Some of the 20 major conventions already scheduled for Newcastle in 2008 & 2009 include:

-        Social Educators Association of Australia 2008 Biennial Conference ( 200 delegates x 2 days)

-        Water Industry Operators of Australia Annual Conference ( 350 delegates x 5 days)

-        Family & Community Strengths  2008 Conference ( 500 delegates x 4 days)

-        2008 Australian Tourism Export Council Winter Symposium (600 delegates x 4 days)

-        2008 Australian & New Zealand Society of nephrology Annual Conference (350 delegates x 4 days)

-        2008 Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research Conference ( 300 delegates x 3 days)

-        Australian Independent Rural Retailers 2008 & 2009 Conferences (350 delegates x 3 days)

-        2009 Museums of Australia Biennial National Conference ((400 delegates x 4 days)

-        2009 International Academic & Community Conference on Animal Protection (500 delegates x 7 days)

-          Australasian Plant Pathology Society Biennial Conference 2009 ( 400 delegates x 5 days)

 “These figures do not include a 90% increase in the forward confirmations of major events (i.e. mostly sporting events) that are scheduled to happen between now and 2010. These include events as diverse as the 2008 Australian Highland Dancing Championships; 2008 Petanque Australian Open; 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation Division II World Championships and the 2008 Women’s Junior Hockey Championships.

Newcastle’s growing reputation as a conference and an event destination is enhanced each time additional flights, airlines and direct destinations are added to the growing list serviced by Newcastle Airport” added Ms Appleby.

Newcastle Visitor & Convention Bureau. a service unit of Newcastle City Council is in its  15^th year of  securing conference and event business for the Newcastle and surrounding areas.