The multi-million-dollar, high-tech ‘NEX’ centre is set to open later this year at the current Wests City club complex in the heart of Newcastle. It will be the largest indoor functions centre in the Hunter, accommodating up to 2,400 people for conferences, expos, concerts, weddings or large dinner events.
The Altogether Perfect marketing group tasked with promoting Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens to the MICE market, has announced that the giant, new Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX) is a game-changing development that will strengthen the position of the Hunter as a popular meetings destination.
The multi-million-dollar, high-tech ‘NEX’ centre is set to open later this year at the current Wests City club complex in the heart of Newcastle. It will be the largest indoor functions centre in the Hunter, accommodating up to 2,400 people for conferences, expos, concerts, weddings or large dinner events. Within walking distance of NEX is a range of accommodation, some offering spectacular views over Newcastle’s busy harbour.
Work commenced this month on the transformation of the entire functions area on the upper level of the former Wests Club into a striking, world-class events and entertainment hub boasting contemporary design, flexible spaces, cutting-edge technology, private bars and menus showcasing the premium food and wine of the Hunter.
“NEX will be a very exciting new addition to the MICE space in Newcastle and the broader Hunter,” said Altogether Perfect specialist for Newcastle, Nerida Worboys, who is also the Business Events Facilitator for Newcastle City Council.
“The size and scale of NEX makes it a game-changer for our already thriving conference and exhibition market and reflects the growing confidence in Newcastle as an events destination“
“Right on Newcastle’s doorstep there are the Hunter’s famous vineyards and the pristine, blue waters of Port Stephens. It’s a compelling combination made more perfect by the added capacity and functionality soon to be offered by NEX.”
Ms Worboys said NEX and other conference space in Newcastle was supported by the city’s own airport which offered direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Ballina/Byron Bay and Taree using Jetstar, Virgin Australia, QantasLink, Regional Express and FlyPelican.
Launched in 2014, the Altogether Perfect – Greater Hunter Business Events campaign is the name for the collaborative marketing efforts undertaken by regional partners in the Hunter Region to attract and secure business events tourism.
Backed by Newcastle City Council, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association and Destination Port Stephens and supported by dynamic industry operators, the joint marketing group attends trade fairs and sales missions and host visits to the region by key conference organisers and media to build the appeal of the Hunter region as THE number one business tourism destination.
The campaign received funding through the Regional Visitor Economy Fund (RVEF) which is managed and administered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Photo caption: Newcastle Harbour
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