A landmark Destination North East England Conference is coming to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on Monday 18^th March, featuring panellists from Tripadvisor, Digital Tourism Think Tank and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement amongst others.

Titled Destination 2034 this free, industry-focussed conference will take over the iconic Glasshouse for a jam-packed day of panels, interactive workshops and sessions geared towards supporting industry, as Destination North East England forges ahead with the development of a 10-year visitor economy strategy.

Business will be able to tap into opportunities brought about by the region's ambitions and learn more about working together to grow the visitor economy.

Challenging delegates to view the destination through different lenses, from harnessing the power of creativity and culture, to fostering a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable place, attendees will get actionable insights and takeaways to support the profitability of our industry and ultimately helping to achieve Destination North East England’s goal of doubling the size of the region’s visitor economy over the next decade.

A series of sessions, interactive panels and workshops will follow covering a range of topics which will challenge delegates to view the North East through different lenses. Destination Experience will look at how industry can create new memorable and curated experiences for visitors and Destination Tomorrow looks at how industry can develop a career passport fit for the future for the next generation of tourism and hospitality talent.

Destination Regenerative brings together world-leading experts in the field sustainability and green tourism and Destination Inclusive will look at how industry can help make the North East of England Europe's most inclusive and welcoming destination.

Destination: Investment will but a spotlight on recent investments into our visitor economy, what that means for the future and how industry can maximise the opportunity.

Leaders from across the region’s film, TV, music, live entertainment and cultural spaces will also come together for our Destination: Creative panel. With plans to transform Sunderland into the UK's Hollywood, major music labels setting up shop in Newcastle, and the region's venues attracting showstopping spectaculars, this panel will discuss the power of creativity and cultural development in providing a vibrant, exciting and sustainable destination for residents and visitors, on screen, on stage and around the world.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to connect directly with industry exhibitors and programme leaders from the array of business support projects being offered by Destination North East England. From support with getting bookable tourism products in front of a global audience to regenerative tourism best practices, businesses can connect informally with the people best placed to help.

As the first-ever government funded regional tourism pilot, Destination North East England operates across all seven local authorities and will work in parallel with the plans for the forthcoming North East Mayoral Combined Authority. It is led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham and in in partnership with all seven local authorities.

The event is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has an invested interest in the region and the visitor economy to interact with local, national and global thought leaders, get involved in Destination North East England’s work and leave equipped with the tools and expertise to innovate, attract new audiences and be more sustainable and inclusive.

Held during English Tourism Week, it is open to anyone who can benefit from Destination North East England’s regional programme of activity and who can play a part in the growth of the visitor economy.

Businesses can sign up here to secure their free place.