The Hilton has had a glow up and we're going back to have a look.

We’re heading back to the Hilton for our next Out of Office North East, and quite a lot has changed since we were last there.

The hotel we knew as Hilton Newcastle Gateshead is now Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge, following a major refurbishment which includes a £5 million bedroom upgrade, a newly refurbished bar with new furniture and colour scheme, and a refreshed Executive Lounge.

Out of Office has already had two very good nights here. We held our Summer Special at the Hilton in August 2025, followed by our international Out of Office x #SaferToBeMe event that October.

So, almost exactly a year later, we’re going back.

We’ll be taking over the Cino area, that's just beside the reception - for another evening of relaxed LGBTQ+ professional networking.

There are no presentations, formal networking exercises or awkward ice-breakers. The idea is much simpler: come along after work, get a drink and talk to people.

If you’re coming on your own, don’t worry. Plenty of people do. We make a point of introducing people and helping get conversations started, so you won’t be left standing around wondering who to talk to.

How the tickets work

Tickets are £10 and every penny from ticket sales goes behind the bar for guests on the night.

We start with a shared Out of Office bar tab. Once that has gone, the Hilton bar continues as a normal pay bar.

Tickets must be booked in advance.

About Out of Office

Out of Office was created to offer something different from conventional business networking: good venues, useful introductions and proper conversation.

People come from every stage of working life, from those at the beginning of their careers to business owners and senior leaders. You do not need to know anyone before you arrive and you certainly do not need to bring someone with you.

Out of Office North East is organised by PR agency Reeves, sponsored by Stay Ouseburn, with Pride Radio as our media partner.

Come along, meet people you haven’t met before and see where the conversation goes.

Description supplied by the event organiser.