Wednesday 8th February 2012 10.52am
Post your Events International conference on ageing is a first for NewcastleGateshead
A major international conference on ageing, health and disability is coming to NewcastleGateshead for the very first time after previously taking place in America, with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau’s Conference Ambassador Programme supporting the conference taking place in the ‘twin cities’.
The International Conference on Ageing, Disability and Independence (ICADI) takes place at The Sage Gateshead from September 8-10, with discussions and debates focusing on ways to support people to maintain health and independence as they grow older.
NewcastleGateshead has been at the cutting edge of research into ageing for the past 40 years, with Newcastle University recognised as the leading centre for ageing research in Europe and one of the major global contributors to the field.
The Convention Bureau’s Ambassador Programme (where local academics or business professionals spearhead bids to bring major conventions to the destination) supported the initial set up of the event here in NewcastleGateshead.
Conference ambassador, Professor Peter Gore, from The Institute for Ageing and Health at Newcastle University was instrumental in securing the ICADI conference. He said: “It is a really positive sign that a conference of this importance is coming to NewcastleGateshead and underlines the medical expertise that resides here.
“ICADI focuses on how modifying homes, workplaces and environments can have a real impact on the elderly community both in terms of their health and wellbeing, but also their productivity and personal satisfaction, and provides a unique opportunity to showcase the University’s leading research in this field.”
Discussions and debate at the conference will focus on the importance of the elderly community, how it is set to grow (the 85+ age group is expected to double by 2020) and also the productivity of this sector; with 80% of UK wealth owned by the over 50s who are responsible for as much as 40% (£260bn) of UK consumer spend.
Leading speakers from around the world will look at the challenges and opportunities for the aged, with Dr Gary Moulton of Microsoft, Professor Tom Kirkwood from the Institute for Ageing and Health at Newcastle University, Professor Stephen Kyffin of Northumbria University (and formerly Global Research Director at Philips) and a leading Australian engineer, Professor Greg Tegart, all speaking at the three-day event.
Gill Pilkington, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau’s conference development manager, said: “We have an enviable conference product and portfolio, including great medical and science expertise, stunning iconic venues and a beautiful cityscape. Working with committed conference ambassadors, such as Professor Gore, is integral to us attracting these prestigious meetings.
“The Convention Bureau provides free support and guidance to any potential conference ambassador who is bidding for these highly-competitive conferences and events and we’re always happy to support them in bringing their Association or Society event here. In doing so they are really putting NewcastleGateshead on the world stage and helping the Ambassador Programme go from strength to strength.”
The Sage Gateshead, where the conference will be held, only last year hosted the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s flagship conference, MS Life, for the very first time, underlining the venue’s accessibility strengths.
Anthony Sargent, General Director, The Sage Gateshead, said: “Newcastle University’s Institute for Ageing and Health has won a global reputation for its work, and The Sage Gateshead has won many awards for its own work in the fields of disability and access, so we’re especially happy to be hosting this international congress on issues around ageing and disability, and are greatly looking forward to welcoming the delegates and speakers to this year’s ICADI congress.”
A banquet at Lumley Castle is just one of the highlights of the social side of the conference with delegates getting the opportunity to experience the diverse and historic qualities of NewcastleGateshead and the wider region, which makes it such an ideal setting for major international Association-based conventions.
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