Fiona Heads up North!!! (see pics at end)

Hi – I’m Fiona. I work for IPT UK as Operations Lead, and I am on the ISIPT Conference Planning Committee for March 2024, held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. I’m the one putting together all the website info and most of the conference logistics. 
​My conference colleagues are also my work colleagues; Liz Robinson who sits on the ISIPT Exec is also IPT UK’s Training Committee Chair, with Catherine Edmunds as IPT UK Exec Committee Deputy Chair. I’ve worked closely with them both since August 2020, yet we’ve never met. Hence, I was well overdue a visit…

Early Monday morning, I set off from Kings X, London, via train to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Passing Durham, which is only a few miles outside Newcastle, I spotted castles, cathedrals and bridges, which is a bit of a theme in that part of the world. Living in London, as I do, it’s no biggie to see history come to life all around, yet nothing compares to literally bumping into bits of Hadrian’s Wall almost as soon as you set outside Newcastle Station.

And then there’s the castle! Newcastle Castle – right in the middle of the street! Next to the Cathedral… I was in Medieval heaven! I do love a bit of history and Newcastle is steeped in it. We went to a fantastic place for a drink and some dinner called Blackfriars – you absolutely have to go. The food was divine (they have a cookery school there) made all the more enjoyable by the fact we were sitting in the refectory built in 1239 for the friars that lived there.

With all of this already exploding my mind, we headed for the Conference Venue, the Crowne Plaza in the Stephenson Quarter. It’s a 5 minute walk from the station, but in truth, Newcastle City Centre isn’t very big and can easily be seen on foot as nowhere is very far.

I was excited to see out hotel and I was not disappointed. It’s stunning! So perfect for the conference in every way. It’s decorated beautifully with a great mix of comfort and style. Facilities are second to none and there are so many wonderful break out areas for meetings; lounges, business areas, bars. I even had a tour of the spa which is a must for anyone staying the week. There’s a gym too. All of which is open for use by guests.

The ISIPT Conference will be held in the Stephenson Suite. It’s such a great room and our sound and tech team will make sure everyone gets a great experience in there, especially for those who will be there in person.
My room was so comfy, and I had great views of Newcastle with all the landmarks I’ve only seen in the pics I posted on the website. It’s a genuinely beautiful place – I am already looking forward to a return visit.
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All in all, I was delighted with Newcastle and the hotel, but nothing was better than getting to meet Liz and Catherine in person. It was surreal after over 2 years of only seeing them on screen, to be able to share a proper massive hug!

I cannot wait for March 2024 and to meet you all – bring it on! 
Here's my pics...