As Manchester reflects on a landmark year for global events, Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, celebrate what has been a monumental year for securing high profile events that will find their home in Manchester over the next few years.  

The city’s continues to rise as an international hub for sport, science, culture and innovation. Building on a vibrant calendar of conferences, major tournaments and world-class gatherings, Manchester’s reputation for delivering exceptional experiences has never been stronger. 

Looking ahead, the momentum shows no sign of slowing. A diverse range of high-profile events have been confirmed for the next few years, with Manchester set to attract tens of thousands of delegates and visitors in the years ahead. 

This review celebrates only a few of the achievements of 2025 that have set the stage for an exciting future ahead:  

 

Confirmed for 2026  

ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup 

Part of the global women’s T20 cricket tournament, this event sees Manchester hosting international teams, with four matches confirmed for Emirates Old Trafford in June 2026. Expected to bring large crowds over the four matches, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup puts Manchester on the global stage for women’s sport.  

Gratitude Games 

A multi-sport games designed for emergency service personnel, focusing on wellbeing, community and recognition of those working in frontline roles. The event will use several venues across the city, including the Etihad campus, Salford Quays, and Belle Vue sports centre 

IPBES-12  

Manchester has been officially announced as the host city for IPBES-12, a pivotal international Plenary session set to directly inform global policymaking on the critical intersection of business and biodiversity.  This significant win marks a new milestone for the city, demonstrating Manchester's maturity and its increasing capability to host the next tier of globally impactful inter-governmental congresses. 

AIB 2026 

The Academy of International Business Annual Conference will bring together business, internation trade and cross-border management professionals for their annual conference. AIB 2026 is set to be hosted by Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. 

RADMA R&D Management Conference 

After 15 years, RADMA is set to return to Manchester. The 2026 conference is organised by the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, hosted by Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester. It’s expected to bring together over 600 academics, managers and practitioners involved in R&D, technology and innovation management. 

ESSR Annual Congress  

The annual meeting of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology, bringing together specialists in imaging, diagnostics and musculoskeletal medicine. The Annual Congress of the ESSR will be held at the Lowry Theatre, and will bring 1000 delegates to Salford Quays.  

 

Confirmed for 2027  

ECSS Congress 

The European College of Sport Science is a major global gathering for sport scientists, researchers and practitioners, focussing on the latest developments in sport and exercise science. Hosted at Manchester Central by the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University in July 2027, it is expected to bring over 3000 delegates to the city.  

NBA European Game 

An official BNA regular season games will be held at Co-op Live, bringing top level professional basketball to Manchester as part of the league’s European expansion. With support from Manchester Accommodation BID and Manchester City Council Events Commission, the NBA game is expected to bring over 20,000 spectators to Manchester.  

Confirmed for 2028  

UEFA EURO 2028 

As part of the UK and Ireland’s hosting of the men’s UEFA EURO 2028, Manchester secured one of England’s group stage matches, bring fans from across Europe to see their country play at the Etihad Stadium.  

 

As Manchester looks toward an exciting horizon of global events, the city’s ambition, capability and collaborative spirit continue to set it apart. With world-leading conferences, international sporting spectacles and transformative cultural gatherings already on the calendar, the years ahead promise to be some of the most dynamic yet. 

To explore upcoming events, learn how Manchester can support your next conference or discover what makes the city a standout destination for organisers worldwide, visit Meet Manchester 

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