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14th September 26, Newcastle, UK: The events industry needs to do more to turn itself into a visible career choice for the next generation, according to Event Industry News podcast host James Dickson, speaking in the opening episode of the new Talking People with Paul Borg podcast.Dickson joins Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle, for the first episode of the series when it drops this week (16th September). The series aims to put the people behind events and hospitality at the centre of the conversation.Having interviewed hundreds of event professionals during more than a decade hosting the Event Industry News podcast, James reflects on his own unconventional route into events and a challenge that continues to face the sector. “We’ve built a multi-billion-pound industry, that is built largely from people who have fallen into (it) by accident,” he says.For James, the opportunity is to identify relevant skills much earlier and show young people that events can provide a deliberate career pathway rather than something they discover later in life.He points to young gamers as an example. Many already understand PCs, graphics cards, cameras, live streaming and switching between feeds, without necessarily recognising that those skills could translate directly into careers in event AV and video production. “All the skills are there,” James tells Paul. “Imagine what could happen if we could identify those young people and give them some additional training at a young age.”The conversation also turns to AI and its implications for employment. Here, James shares the example of a global events agency that has recruited a senior employee specifically to oversee the rollout and application of AI, suggesting that the technology could create new professions as well as change existing ones.For Paul Borg, these are the conversations Talking People has been created to uncover. The new series looks beyond job titles and businesses to explore careers, experiences and ideas through the people working across events and hospitality.Episode One sets the tone with a conversation spanning career pathways, technology, AI and the changing skills the industry needs. Appropriately for an opening episode about an industry many people enter unexpectedly, Dickson admits that his own podcast career began almost by accident too. More than a decade and hundreds of conversations later, it has given him a particularly broad view of the people who make the industry tick.

14th September 26, Manchester, UK: CHS Manchester has confirmed that its Hosted Buyer Programme is now more than 92% full, with organisers encouraging event professionals to apply as soon as possible, with the programme approaching capacity and with the show debuting later this month.Taking place at the AO Arena on 30 September, the event will bring together event organisers, venues, destinations and suppliers for a day of meetings, education and networking, supported by a wider programme of activity across the city. For hosted buyers, the experience begins well before the show opens. Guests will be welcomed into Manchester the evening before, with the official welcome reception, “Manchester Calling’ at Manchester Central, providing the first opportunity to meet, connect and settle into the city.Hosted buyers will also stay at some of Manchester’s leading hotels, with the city’s hospitality community playing its part in looking after guests throughout their stay.At the show itself, visitors will have access to a schedule of pre-arranged meetings alongside the exhibition, networking and a packed conference and education programme. Beyond the AO Arena, the ever expanding CHS Manchester Fringe Programme will add further events and experiences around the city.Emma King, CEO, CHS Manchester, commented: “We’re delighted with the response to the Hosted Buyer Programme. It’s a terrific programme of value for our guests and a chance to get business done, while having Manchester open to them. We really want to give everyone the chance to get on the programme, and to help us manage the numbers, we’re asking visitors not to leave it too late.The Hosted Buyer Programme forms part of CHS Manchester’s wider approach to creating a productive but highly sociable environment for event professionals. With busy diaries awaiting buyers on 30 September, the programme is designed to make the rest of their experience as seamless, and enjoyable, as possible.Applications for the remaining Hosted Buyer places are now open.

9th September 26, UK: The Crowne Plaza Newcastle will launch a new event industry podcast this month, with the hotel looking to underline its commitment to people, from every part of the industry and to share their stories and lived experiences.Talking People with Paul Borg, hosted by the hotel’s General Manager, will launch its first episode on 16 September, beginning a six-part series of conversations with some of the most well known people in the industry, as well as some secret rising stars.The podcast brings together leaders, creatives, educators, media and emerging talent to explore the different personalities and skills that make events happen, as well as some of the bigger questions facing the people within the industry.Guests across the first series include Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio; James Dickson of Event Industry News; Lucy Nicholls, Founder and Creative Director of The PS Events Group; Serkan Uzunogullari from the University of Sunderland; and Crowne Plaza Newcastle’s own Ben Wilson, just starting out in a career in hospitality.The subjects range from leadership, culture and career progression to creativity, education and the expectations of the next generation. The series also looks at the growing influence of AI and technology and what that means for the human skills, personalities and relationships on which the events industry has traditionally been built.“We all say we care about people. Of course we do. But I wanted us to do something that demonstrates that commitment rather than just talking about it,” said Paul Borg, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Newcastle. “At the same time, we get to hear stories from some really exceptional people in a relaxed and informative way.”“This isn't a podcast telling everyone how great our people are. It's about being curious about others. What makes someone brilliant in this industry? How do we find and nurture creative talent? What does the next generation expect from us? How do you build a career? And, as technology becomes more influential, which of those very human qualities become even more important?The launch forms part of a wider change in tone at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, with the hotel also unveiling a new meetings and events film, Your Newcastle. Your Way.The film captures a new lease of life and a new direction the hotel is enjoying under Paul’s leadership, as well as the pace and personality of the hotel through its people. The film focuses on the everyday behaviours that make a difference to organisers: answering quickly, being flexible, taking ownership and understanding how an event should feel as well as how it should function.Paul continues, “There is a new energy here and we wanted to find better ways of showing it. The podcast and the film are very different pieces of content, but the thinking behind them is actually very similar. It feels like the right time to be a little more confident about who we are, how we work and what we want Crowne Plaza Newcastle to stand for.”The first episode of Talking People with Paul Borg will be released on 16 September 2026, with further episodes released as part of the six-part series.