Why is Manchester’s conference and events sector going from strength to strength? 

6th December 2022

Recently, Manchester was named as one of the top five meeting destinations in Europe in the 12th Annual American Express Global Meetings and Events Forecast. 

Based on a survey of 580 meetings and events professionals from around the globe, Manchester made the top five alongside Madrid, Barcelona, London and Paris. 

The report also highlighted that respondents were feeling optimistic about the health of the meetings and events sector going into 2023 with 67% believing the number of in-person events will return to pre-pandemic levels within the next two years. 

This is good news for Greater Manchester as its strengths in meetings and events could play a vital role in the city’s recovery and prosperous future. 

With the latest figures from Manchester Central revealing that events at that particular venue alone contributed £52.1m to the Greater Manchester Economy, it’s clear the city-region’s business events will play a significant role in its post-pandemic recovery. 

In its latest quarterly update, Manchester Central reported that delegate spending was up 33%, as visitors to events held at the venue spent just over £1m onsite and contributed over £13m to the local economy between July and September 2022. 

Since April, delegates have contributed a total of £52.1m to Greater Manchester through expenditure at restaurants, bars, hotels and transport as a direct result of attending events. 

The report also revealed that in the latest trading quarter, the venue welcomed 52,328 visitors to a range of national and international conferences, exhibitions and gala dinners including One Young World, The European Society for Clinical Virology, Northern Fashion Week and Professional Beauty North. 

Similarly, Emirates Old Trafford revealed its major events in 2022 contributed around £27m to the local economy. The iconic sporting venue held a series of sold-out concerts this summer alongside international cricket matches and domestic T20 and Hundred fixtures. 

The Manchester Convention Bureau is directly supporting over 80 events for 2023 and into the future. These events include the Graphene European Conference in Graphene and 2D Materials 2023, Annual Congress of the EAHAD 2023 (European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders), ISPA 2023 (Congress of the International Society for the Performing Arts) and HYROX World Championships 2023 will attract over 117,000 delegates to Manchester with an estimated economic impact of £136m.  

But why is Manchester’s conference and events sector so strong right now? 

Varied events spaces 

Whatever your event, Manchester will have a space suitable. From low-key boardrooms to a world-class convention centre Manchester has the capabilities to handle intimate team functions, wider-scale exhibitions and everything in between. Some spaces can help make your event truly unique, adding that signature Manchester charm and character to your conference or meeting. You’ll find everything you need in this vibrant city-region. The possibilities are endless. 

New cultural openings for delegate’s free time 

Manchester has been placed on some of the world’s most prestigious tourism watchlists for 2023, and this is largely because of some incredible new cultural openings scheduled for the year ahead. National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller and Time Out have all recognised the city as a must-visit destination for 2023. Delegate downtime is hugely important to any conference and with new green spaces, museum re-openings and incredible cultural venues like Co-Op Live and Factory International, Manchester will soon have even more opportunities to keep visitors entertained than ever before. 2023 is set to be an exciting year for the city and events delegates will get to experience this first-hand. 

Extensive hotel options 

Manchester is bursting with high-quality hotels to suit all preferences and budgets. Whether delegates want a taste of luxury or to simply have a comfy bed close to the venue, Manchester can deliver. The last year has seen a boom in new hotel openings across Greater Manchester and now delegates really will be spoilt for choice. Whether organisers are looking to show delegates a beautiful budget hotel, a home-from-home aparthotel, a creative space or something a little fancier, Manchester is sure to have the perfect hotel room for your conference attendees and make your delegates' stay a memorable one. 

Great food and drink 

Manchester is a food lover's dream and after a long day at a conference there really is nothing better than great grub. In this city, your delegates will be spoilt for choice with almost every cuisine imaginable at their fingertips. Enjoy quirky and relaxed vibes in the Northern Quarter, an abundance of street food halls and even high-end eateries. Whatever your tastebuds desire, Manchester can provide. 

A sustainable city 

Manchester is becoming more recognised for its commitment to sustainability and its green credentials are raising the city's profile. The city recently made the CDP A-List and was named a Climate Action Leader. With new green spaces, improved sustainable transport and many conference venues working on their emissions, many people are choosing Manchester for its commitment to the environment. With a science-based target to become net zero by 2038, twelve years ahead of the UK government target, the city’s green ambition is clear and you’re sure to notice even more progress when visiting Manchester. 

Support of the convention bureau  

Manchester Convention Bureau supports businesses and event planners at all stages of the journey. With a proven track record of staging world-class conferences and events as well as delivering an unforgettable delegate experience. The team can assist with venue sourcing, accommodation booking and connecting conference organisers with a network of industry experts that can make sure the event is a success. Whether you need help with planning specific elements of your conference or would like support through the whole process, Manchester Convention Bureau is on hand to ensure that events that take place in the city are successful and run smoothly. 

To learn more about why Manchester is a great place to host your conference or event, visit our Why Manchester page. 

For more information about hosting your event in Manchester and for personalised advice, contact the Manchester Convention Bureau team.