3 min readThe Manchester Convention Bureau recently concluded a highly successful sales mission to New York City, solidifying our commitment to attracting major international congresses and events from the North American market. Our participation in SMU International – the premier event for North American meeting and incentive travel buyers – proved to be an invaluable opportunity to showcase Manchester's unique offering.
SMU International, hosted by Northstar Meetings Group's leading brands – Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive Magazine – drew over 470 elite delegates to New York City. This prestigious event, held at the iconic Marriott Marquis Times Square, provided a platform for attendees to gain insights from industry experts, discuss current trends in the industry and forge crucial business connections.
Launching the event in style, Manchester had the honour of providing the official welcome address to SMU International. Further elevating the experience, we provided Manchester-themed food and drink, set the ambience with Manchester music played in a classical style, and ensured the venue's staff helped us to make a lasting impression by wearing distinctive "Manchester: Where Great Minds Meet" uniforms. We also debuted Marketing Manchester’s brand-new destination film, a powerfully engaging production, giving attendees a compelling visual taste of what makes Manchester unique. Watch this space for a formal launch of the film in April. This immersive experience truly brought a taste of Manchester to the heart of New York City.
The Manchester Convention Bureau team engaged in over 30 productive meetings with North American planners by highlighting Manchester's world-class facilities, vibrant cultural scene, and innovative industries. We experienced significant interest in Manchester as an emerging destination for international congresses, reaffirming the North American market's continued appetite for exploring diverse European destinations. We also generated several valuable enquiries for events in future years, including corporate groups and international congresses.
Our mission extended beyond SMU International. We joined our partners MeetEngland for an intimate client dinner, which provided an excellent platform to showcase leading English destinations, including Manchester, Liverpool, London and Devon, to key North American planners. Following this, we visited the offices of VisitBritain, located within the British Consulate General New York, to discuss our vital collaboration with MeetEngland. This partnership is crucial for amplifying Manchester’s unique story, attracting the world’s leading business events, and showcasing our vibrant culture and innovation to the North American market. By working together, we are building stronger connections and opening doors for planners and delegates to experience the very best of Manchester.
"We were delighted tat Manchester Convention Bureau joined us on this years MeetEngland trade mission to New York City, combining meetings at the SMU workshop organised by Northstar Meetings Group, as well as own client-facing activities. The product diversity, global accessibility and sectoral leadership of Manchester is growing high interest amongst prominent event organisers from across North America and it was excellent to witness this throughout our trade mission."
Paul Black, Head of Business Events, VisitBritain/VisitEngland
“Solidifying Manchester's presence in the USA, a key strategic market, is paramount. We're focused on strengthening relationships and showcasing our exceptional offerings, positioning Manchester as a leading destination for global events. The valuable enquiries generated for future events, combined with the exciting opportunities ahead, reinforce our commitment to welcoming more international delegates to our dynamic city.”
Anthony Cassidy, Senior International Bid Manager, Marketing Manchester
Our successful sales mission to New York City, supported by the Manchester Accommodation BID, has reinforced Manchester’s position as a compelling destination for international events.
Interested in hosting your next event in Manchester? Contact the Manchester Convention Bureau today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can help you create an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact on your field.
