Manchester targets socially responsible events with a new guide for organisers

Manchester has launched a new social impact guide aimed at connecting event organisers with 25 charities and community projects across the region to support conferences and events to make a positive impact when hosting an event in the city. 

From volunteering for the day to offering donations, providing food or other surplus resources from events, or longer-term support such as education, resources or real-life experiences, the guide aims to give conferences and events a range of options for leaving a positive social impact when visiting Manchester.  

Manchester’s Legacy and Social Impact Guide has been created by Marketing Manchester, the destination management organisation and convention bureau for the region, in collaboration with Manchester Central – the city’s largest convention centre, and Manchester Community Central – an organisation that supports voluntary, community, and social enterprises across the city.  

Set out across six key themes including education and careers, environment, food, diversity, equity, and inclusion, social and community, and higher education- the guide offers a range of charities and organisations for event’s organisers to partner with when hosting an event in Manchester. 

25 charities and organisations are highlighted including City of Trees – an initiative to plant more trees around the city; Cracking Good Food, who are on a mission to reduce food poverty and increase sustainability; and Career Connect, who support 16–18-year-olds into employment, education and training. 

Alongside the guide, Marketing Manchester has also launched a Sustainable Events Guide and Checklist, enabling event’s organisers to reduce their environmental impact by sharing information about sustainable venues, catering, event materials and travel, as part of the city-region's goals to help events leave a sustainable impact, alongside supporting the local economy and community projects. 

As one of the UK’s leading events destinations, Manchester has ambitions to be the most sustainable city in England and is working towards becoming a top 40 destination in the Global Sustainability Index by 2030. 

Richard Walker, Tourism Sustainability Manager at Marketing Manchester, said: “The launch of our new social impact guide offers event organisers a complete overview of partnering with one of the brilliant community projects and charities from around Greater Manchester. Events have the power to change the world for good, and as a trailblazing city for progress, we want to ensure visiting events can make a positive impact that will be great for their organisation but also leave a legacy for the people of Greater Manchester.” 

Victoria Braddock, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Business events are a major driver for the Greater Manchester economy, contributing £862m and welcoming thousands of delegates to venues across the region. As a destination, Greater Manchester has ambitions to be England’s most sustainable city and a top 40 in the Global Sustainability Index, alongside supporting our communities and ensuring tourism has a positive impact across the economy, society, and the environment.”  

from Lauren Hudson, Head of Sustainability and Impact at Manchester Central, said: "At Manchester Central, we believe in the power of events to create lasting, positive change — not just for our city region, but far beyond. By embedding impact and legacy into every aspect of what we do, we’re not simply hosting events; we’re helping to shape a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable future for Greater Manchester. 

We’re proud to be featured in Marketing Manchester’s Social Impact Guide and remain committed to supporting event organisers in delivering meaningful, long-term impact through their events."  

Mike Wild, Chief Executive, Manchester Community Central, said: “We are really pleased this guide offers one way for those coming to Manchester for events to build connections with some of the thousands of voluntary organisations, community groups, charities and social enterprises organisations that deliver a wide range of services and activities in our local communities across the city-region.”