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.
