Marketing Manchester returned to The Meetings Show last month, accompanied by 11 of our venue and hotel partners. In true Mancunian style, we persevered despite record-breaking temperatures to showcase Manchester as the outstanding conference and events destination it is.

Three representatives stand behind the Manchester exhibition stand at The Meetings Show 2026, with the slogan "Manchester – Where great minds meet" displayed prominently on the front.

Preliminary figures from the show indicate that connections made collectively across all partners are up 9% year on year, which is a fantastic result. Several partners have also returned with highly lucrative opportunities for future business.

For the second consecutive year, Manchester sponsored the Hosted Buyers Welcome Reception, enhanced by Manchester Accommodation BID, enabling our partners to engage with more than 250 event and conference buyers before the show officially opened. Despite the reception venue offering breathtaking views of iconic London landmarks, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Manchester ensured a strong presence throughout the evening. Branded T-shirts, themed food, and a large paint-by-numbers mural encouraged buyer engagement, while showcasing some of Manchester’s own landmarks and cultural icons.

Two delegates pose with a branded Manchester photo frame on a rooftop terrace overlooking the London skyline during The Meetings Show 2026, with Tower Bridge visible in the background.