RCN UK Joint Representatives’ Autumn Conference 2026
01 Oct 2026 - 02 Oct
Choose event information:
Applications are now closed.
Applicants who have not received a decision by Monday 13 July will automatically be placed on the waiting list
We are delighted to announce that the Autumn conference will be held in person on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October in Newcastle.
The conference takes place twice a year in the spring and autumn and is open to all RCN accredited reps across the UK. We’d welcome new faces – so if you’ve never been to one of these conferences before, please do consider applying.
We are now working hard to develop the programme, packed with quality speakers, learning sessions and networking. This conference brings together our community of reps from across the UK to meet friends old and new. It also provides an opportunity for us to learn together and share our experience of the vital work we all do in our workplaces.
Further information about the programme will follow soon.
RCN Events team
jointrepsconf@rcn.org.uk
02076473578
Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge
Bottle Bank, Gateshead
Newcastle
NE8 2AR
Newcastle train station
Walking (15 minutes)
• Exit Newcastle Central Station onto Neville Street.
• Head towards the river and follow signs for the Quayside / Tyne Bridge.
• Cross the Tyne Bridge (iconic green bridge).
• Once across, turn right along the riverside (South Shore Road).
• The Hilton is just a short walk along the river.
Bus
Several buses go towards Gateshead / Quayside check google maps for bus times and routes.
• Get off near the Gateshead Quays stop.
• Then walk 2–3 minutes to the hotel.
Time: 15 minutes
From Newcastle International Airport
• Follow signs inside the airport to the Metro station (connected to the terminal).
• Take the Green Line towards South Hylton / South Shields.
• Get off at Gateshead Interchange.
• Walk 10–15 minutes to the Hilton (towards the river / Tyne Bridge).
Time: 25 – 35 minutes
Runs every 10–15 minutes
All driving and taxi requests must be approved in advance with your country or region. Approvals are made in line with RCN policy guidelines
Taxi requests
Taxi requests must be approved according to policy.
Driving and parking
Driving requests must be approved according to policy.
On-site parking is available at Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge for £15 per day.
Key information:
🕛 Registration: 12:00pm Thursday
🎤 Conference starts: 1:00pm Thursday
🏁 Conference ends: 3:00pm Friday
🍽 Conference dinner: Thursday evening
🎥 Livestream available via Reps Hub
📧 Contact: jointrepsconf@rcn.org.uk
Hotel update: The Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge is now operating as a cashless venue.
Travel
For any travel booked by your country or region, this will have been organised using the RCN Travel Agent, Click. Should you need emergency support out of office hours, please call Click on 0121 368 1666.
Accommodation
Accommodation for reps attending the conference has been booked on a bed and breakfast basis at The Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge. Booking details have been shared with individuals approximately 2 weeks before the conference.
Livestream
Main hall sessions will be livestreamed, filmed and recorded for reps to view remotely. To access the livestream log into your Reps Hub.
Registration
On arrival at The Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge, please make your way to the RCN registration desk which will be signposted.
Registration will open from 12pm on Thursday 1 October and lunch with refreshments will also be available during this time.
Timings
Lunch and registration will start at 12pm on Thursday and the conference will begin at 1pm. The conference is due to end at 3pm on Friday.
Badges
For security purposes, participants must wear their badges at all times. Participants will not be admitted to the conference sessions without the appropriate badge.
Optional fringe (Thursday)
There will be an optional fringe session from 5.15pm – 6pm on Thursday 1 October.
Lunchtime fringe sessions (Friday)
Delegates are free to mix and match sessions and attendance will be on a ‘first come, first-served’ basis.
Lunch and refreshments
If you have any specific dietary requirements and haven’t informed us, please email the team in advance at jointrepsconf@rcn.org.uk.
Conference dinner
The conference dinner will be held in the main hall of The Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge on Thursday evening, starting with a networking welcome. A welcome drink is to be served at 7pm, with guests invited to sit down at 7.30pm.
Exhibition
An exhibition will run alongside this event with an array of stands to visit during lunch and refreshment breaks. Here you will find out more about an exciting range of new resources for reps being launched at the conference.
Specific requirements
If you have any specific requirements that you haven’t already highlighted, please do let us know in advance. Please note that we may not be able to make specific arrangements without prior notification.
Cancellations: Should you no longer be able to attend this event please email the team at jointrepsconf@rcn.org.uk.
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Page last updated - 04/09/2026
