The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK’s trade association for insurance brokers. Their annual conference brings together the largest insurance broking community in-person for two days of networking, insights, and visionary speakers.

The 2022 edition of The BIBA Conference took place 11-12 May at Manchester Central. The two-day event welcomed over 8,000 attendees to a large exhibition in Central Hall, and a mix of keynote speakers and seminar sessions as well as number of fringe sessions.

The event was hosted by BBC’s Huw Edwards and the keynote speakers included Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham and Olympians Dame Laura Kenny, Jonnie Peacock MBE and Nicola Adams OBE.

Welcoming delegates to Manchester Central, BIBA made use of the venue's available branding opportunities, hanging banners from the gable, vinyl wrapping the entrance, and taking over the digital signs. In addition, they also utilised the forecourt space allowing some of the exhibitors to install promotional items…and one of their sponsors ferried delegates to and from the station in old Minis!

Most of the delegates travel to the conference nationally and the city provides the perfect destination for everyone to meet. With a range of hotels to suit all budgets, and an array of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the venue, the city brings a fantastic social element to the event.

The BIBA Conference was supported by the Manchester Convention Bureau, including the provision of an Accommodation Booking Service (ABS). The Bureau acted as the event’s official accommodation provider, securing rooms for the thousands of conference participants, operating an online booking portal and handling enquiries from delegates. The team also assisted with the promotion of Manchester as the host destination as well as welcoming delegates to the city.

Emma, Chapman, Head of Conference at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association commented:

“Well, what a Conference! In the early planning stages, we set out to create an event to truly reunite the insurance industry in-person after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic…and so we were absolutely delighted to not only achieve our expectations but have one of the busiest BIBA Conferences we have ever had.”

“The Conference speakers  were inspirational, and our Young Broker Day helped support and develop the next generation starting out in the industry.”

“Manchester warmly welcomes us each year and it’s always wonderful to work with the staff at Manchester Central, some of whom have been helping us deliver The BIBA Conference for many years. We are already looking forward to 2023!”