A sold-out business summit in Newcastle aimed at boosting the visibility of regional talent will return in 2027 after its successful debut.
The Get Known Summit, held at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle on June 4, brought together founders, executives, and professionals for sessions on branding, networking, and media strategy. Organizers at Moja, a local PR agency, said the event was created to address a persistent visibility gap in the North East, where skilled individuals and businesses often struggle to gain recognition. The summit formed part of Moja’s broader Get Known Club initiative, which provides ongoing support for professionals seeking to raise their profiles. The format included interactive discussions and practical workshops, with each session tailored to help attendees refine their approach to standing out in competitive industries.
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Six speakers led discussions on topics like mindset, personal style, and storytelling, including Lisa Johnson, Jeni Smith, and Sophie Jane Lee. They were joined by Helenlee Wilkinson, Frankie James, and David Gleghorn, each contributing expertise in areas such as brand strategy and media engagement. Sophie Milliken MBE, chief executive of Moja and founder of the Get Known Club, called the turnout a clear sign of demand, noting that the energy in the room confirmed the region’s hunger for opportunities to connect and be seen. She emphasized that the event’s rapid sell-out validated the need for a dedicated space where North East professionals could focus on self-promotion and strategic visibility.
“There’s no shortage of talent, but there is a shortage of visibility,” Milliken said. “A sold-out room of ambitious people showed us how much this was needed.”
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Headline partner Sage backed the event, alongside sponsors such as Ward Hadaway, Inspired HR, Weir Insurance Brokers, and Ideas Fest. The involvement of these organizations showed the summit’s relevance to both corporate and entrepreneurial audiences, with each sponsor bringing industry-specific insights to the discussions. Melissa Beckett, Sage’s marketing lead, said the summit provided practical tools for professionals to grow their profiles and unlock opportunities, aligning with Sage’s mission to support small businesses in standing out. Beckett highlighted that the event’s hands-on approach—such as workshops on crafting compelling narratives and leveraging digital platforms—equipped attendees with actionable strategies rather than just theoretical advice.
“We see incredible talent go unnoticed without the right platform,” Beckett said. “This event helps change that.”
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Super Early Bird tickets for the 2027 summit, scheduled for April 22, are now available. The next event will again focus on helping North East professionals and businesses build their presence, with plans to expand the speaker lineup and introduce new session formats based on delegate feedback. Attendees of the 2024 summit also have the option to join the Get Known Club, a year-round community offering resources, networking opportunities, and continued learning to maintain momentum between events.