As accessibility becomes an increasing priority for event organisers, Crowne Plaza Newcastle stands out as one of the few UK meetings hotels actively designed to support deaf and hard-of-hearing delegates, delivering meaningful accessibility through real, on-the-ground event operations, not just written policy.
The hotel has quietly built an infrastructure that supports deaf-inclusive meetings, including hearing loops across the property, vibrating pillows linked to fire alarm systems, and detailed, up-to-date risk assessments tailored specifically for events involving deaf guests. These measures are increasingly relevant as organisers look to host more inclusive conferences, training programmes, and association meetings.
The hotel’s approach was recently tested during a large-scale booking for deaf delegates travelling from Hull Deaf Centre, a booking that required bespoke planning well beyond standard procedures.
To meet the group’s needs, the hotel implemented a clear evacuation plan, assigning fire marshals to each floor who were briefed to enter guest rooms if an alarm sounded. Every deaf delegate was informed of the procedure in advance, an approach that reflects a deeper understanding of risk management for accessible events.
Gail Herring of Travel Counsellors, who organised the group and is a British Sign Language (BSL) user herself, said: “By making each deaf person aware of the plan, it gave everyone confidence. The hotel also arranged an online meeting in advance to carry out a detailed risk assessment in case the fire alarm was activated. The team ensured everything was in place to welcome the group and meet their safety needs.”
Luke Balcombe, Director of Sales & Marketing at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, added: “Accessibility has to be built into the planning process, not added at the end. For meetings and events, that means understanding who is in the room and adapting procedures accordingly, from communication and safety briefings to how we manage risk in real time. Working closely with our clients allows us to deliver events that are both inclusive and operationally sound.”
Beyond operational accessibility, Crowne Plaza Newcastle has also achieved Green Key certification, an internationally recognised sustainability audit that remains relatively rare among UK meeting hotels. For organisers, this combination of environmental accreditation and accessible event delivery reflects a broader shift in how venues are being assessed, where inclusion, safety, and sustainability are increasingly interlinked.
For meetings and events professionals, the case highlights an often-overlooked aspect of venue selection: how well a hotel can adapt its procedures for delegates with specific communication and safety needs. As more organisers seek to deliver genuinely inclusive events, Crowne Plaza Newcastle’s approach offers a practical model rooted in preparation, consultation, and on-site execution.
