NGI Comms CLub

Join us for an exclusive Comms Club at Newcastle Contemporary Arts from 5–8 pm on Thursday 5 February.

Branding: A Sense of Place

This first Comms Club of 2026 will bring together communications and marketing experts from across the region to talk about the importance of brand, whether that’s a corporate brand or a place brand – this panel will explore the connection between the two.

From places, spaces and organisations our experts will discuss the importance of local identities when developing a brand that looks to reach regional, national and international audiences.

Our expert panel have all developed brands that are born and bred in the region, using our spirit, heritage and local pride to their advantage.

Eldon Square will share how they have pivoted to deliver food, fashion and fun customer experiences far beyond traditional expectations for a core city centre shopping mall. Their brand reflects how the centre is evolving as a UK top 10 regional retail and leisure destination.

As a city and region music is in our DNA. Generator, the North's leading music development agency will join us to talk about place brands, their new identity and how music will shape the region’s future – developing talent, attracting investment and music tourism.

North East Museums will share expertise on the importance of stakeholder engagement and communications and its role in driving visitor numbers the biggest cultural organisation we have in the North East.

We will also be joined by Gardiner Richardson who have been involved in the rebrand of North East Museums and Grainger Market. Grainger Market has recently benefitted from a £9million upgrade and new identity that looks to rival the best of Europe's indoor markets.

Our panel includes:

• Thea Der Velde – Chief Marketing Officer, Generator

• Sheryl McGregor - Communications & Development Manager, North East Museums

• Olivia Telfer – Marketing Manager, Eldon Square

• Matt Forster – Strategic Communications Director, Gardiner Richardson

Enjoy a welcome drink at 5pm, followed by a panel discussion. After the session, stay on to network and share best practice with the speakers and creative minds in the room.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher NewcastleGateshead Initiative