Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know to plan your journey to Newcastle for RLI Connect Global 2026
Stay in Newcastle
Newcastle offers an exceptional blend of world-class hospitality, vibrant culture and effortless accessibility, making it the perfect host city for RLI Connect Global 2026.
Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of Newcastle or enjoy a luxury countryside retreat just 30 minutes from the city, RLI Connect Global 2026 has partnered with a selection of exceptional hospitality providers to ensure every delegate enjoys a memorable stay.
Preferred Newcastle Hotel Partners
Experience contemporary luxury at Dakota Newcastle, a boutique hotel located on Newcastle Quayside. With elegant rooms, exceptional dining and outstanding service, it’s the perfect base for your stay during RLI Global Connect 2026.
As a hotel partner for RLI Connect Global, we invite guests to stay in our landmark The Vermont Hotel, which combines 1930’s grandeur with contemporary elegance and luxury. Our other locations around the City Centre and the famous Newcastle Quayside include The Vermont Aparthotel, County Hotel and County Aparthotel.
Luxury Countryside Escape
Looking to experience more of the North East during your visit to RLI Connect Global 2026? Just 30 minutes from Newcastle, Matfen Hall offers an award-winning luxury country estate combining elegant accommodation, championship golf, fine dining and exceptional hospitality.
Additional Accommodation Options
If you’d like to explore additional accommodation options, delegates can also book through NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau.
*As availability is limited and unsold allocations will be released 4–6 weeks prior to arrival, delegates are encouraged to secure accommodation as early as possible and review the applicable cancellation policies before booking.
MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Opening Golf Experience Day & VIP Dinner
Ahead of the Forum, invited Partners, Speakers, VIP Guests and Government representatives are invited to enjoy the Opening Golf Experience Day at the magnificent Matfen Hall, one of the North East’s finest championship golf destinations.
Hosted in partnership with Matfen Hall, the day offers a relaxed setting to build relationships, enjoy informal networking and connect with fellow industry leaders before RLI Connect Global officially begins.
Following the Golf Experience Day, guests will enjoy a VIP dinner on Monday evening at Dakota Newcastle, kindly hosted by Dakota Hotels.
Attendance at both the Golf Experience Day and Dinner is by invitation only for Partners, Speakers, VIP Guests and Government representatives and is not included within the Delegate Pass.
TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Exclusive Networking Experience at Fenwick
Following the opening day of RLI Connect Global, invited Partners, Speakers, VIP Guests and delegates will be welcomed to an exclusive Networking Experience at Fenwick Newcastle, one of the UK’s most iconic luxury department stores.
Kindly hosted by Fenwick, the evening will provide a unique opportunity to experience the store’s distinctive retail environment while connecting with fellow industry leaders in an inspiring and relaxed setting.
Attendance is included within the Delegate Pass.
WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Networking Reception at Above
On Wednesday 23 September, following RLI Connect Global Deal-Making, the Gainford Group will kindly host a Networking Reception at ABOVE, its spectacular rooftop venue located at The Vermont Hotel Newcastle.
This exclusive networking reception is included for all registered delegates and provides the perfect opportunity to continue conversations and build valuable new connections in a relaxed setting overlooking the Newcastle skyline.
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
RLI Connect Global Finale Experience at PYR by PINE
After the Retail Safari and the final day of RLI Connect Global, guests are invited to join us for the Finale Experience at PYR by PINE, the newly opened Michelin-starred restaurant at Freight Island.
Bringing together Partners, Speakers, VIP Guests and delegates, the evening will celebrate the connections, conversations and collaborations forged throughout the event, within one of the UK’s most exciting new culinary and entertainment destinations.
Hosted in partnership with Pradera and Freight Island the Finale Experience will provide a memorable closing celebration featuring exceptional dining, entertainment and the opportunity to continue building relationships with the global retail, leisure and hospitality community.
Attendance is included for registered Delegate Pass holders, Partners, Speakers and VIP Guests.
Travel to Newcastle
with 25% off LNER fares*
RLI Connect Global attendees can take advantage of a 25% discount on eligible LNER Advance fares when travelling to and from Newcastle.
Promo Code: NGI2027
*NGI/LNER reserves the right to withdraw the code from use if it is not utilised for its intended purpose.
*Please note there are exclusion dates due to engineering works and capacity.
Your guide to Newcastle
Make the most of your visit. Our official visitor guide showcases everything Newcastle has to offer.
- Why Newcastle
- Getting here
- Sustainable ways to travel
- Retail destinations & Retail Safari
From world-class retail and vibrant culture to stunning landscapes and unique heritage, discover everything Newcastle has to offer before and after RLI Connect Global 2026.
Inside The Guide
