Meet the team – Jessica Hale, Senior Conference & Group Sales Manager

The Manchester Convention Bureau is thrilled to introduce Jessica Hale, Senior Conference and Group Sales Manager. With a career spanning venue management, event contracting and internation conference support, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and passion for showcasing Manchester as a premier destination for business events.  

We sat down with Jessica to discuss her journey into the world of events, what makes Manchester a stand out city for conferences, and what she loves most about the city.  

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what brought you to Manchester Convention Bureau? 

I was first introduced to the Manchester Convention Bureau in 2015 while studying Events Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. Their mission to attract events to the region and the dedicated support they offer to organisers immediately captured my interest. During my MICE module, which included various coursework elements, I achieved the highest academic grade for my bid writing assignment focused on promoting Manchester to an international association. It was a proud achievement that not only deepened my understanding of the Bureau’s strategic role but also strengthened my passion for Manchester as a destination for events. 

During university, I was keen to also gain as much practical experience as possible. Whilst studying I worked across a variety of venues throughout Greater Manchester, which gave me a solid foundation and a real appreciation for the city’s vibrant events landscape. As part of my placement year, I joined Conferences Group - an international venue finding agency. That experience expanded my understanding of hotel brands both in the UK and internationally, helping me appreciate their values and what makes them stand out in a competitive market. 

After graduating, I started my career at Princess St Hotel now known as The Alan, focusing on Meetings, Events & Groups, before progressing into similar roles at Hotel Football and the Radisson Hotel Group, where I supported the Manchester cluster of properties. These roles gave me valuable insight into venue operations, client engagement, and the importance of collaboration across the industry. 

Most recently, I worked at Full Circle Events & Exhibitions, a full-service events contractor. In my role within exhibitor services, I supported key accounts and helped enhance brand visibility for clients exhibiting at large-scale trade shows - many of which took place at Manchester Central. It was a fast-paced, rewarding experience that gave me a first-hand look at what it takes to deliver exceptional events from both the organiser and exhibitor perspectives. 

Joining Manchester Convention Bureau now feels like a natural next step. I’m excited to bring together everything I’ve learned to help promote Manchester as a world-class event destination and support clients and venues in delivering impactful, unforgettable events. 

What excites you most about Manchester as a destination for conferences and events? 

What excites me most about Manchester as a destination for conferences and events is its unique blend of heritage and innovation. The city seamlessly combines historic charm with bold, modern development - new venues, hotels, and infrastructure are constantly emerging, enhancing its appeal while staying true to its industrial roots. 

What sets Manchester apart as a destination for conferences and groups? 

Manchester sets itself apart as a conference and event destination through a compelling mix of accessibility, innovation, heritage, and personality. With an international airport offering direct flights to major global cities and excellent rail links across the UK, getting here is simple and efficient. Once you arrive, the city’s compact layout means hotels, restaurants, venues, and attractions are all within easy walking distance. 

The venue offering is equally impressive ranging from world-class convention centres to unique historic and cultural spaces providing flexibility for events of all sizes and styles. Manchester is also a hub of excellence in sectors like technology, science, healthcare and media making it an ideal setting for knowledge sharing and collaboration. 

What trends are you seeing in the industry that you think will shape the future of business events? 

Sustainability and AI are shaping the future of business events. Organisers are embracing eco-friendly practices like waste reduction, green venues, and carbon offsetting to meet growing environmental expectations. 

AI is revolutionising event planning and engagement. Paired with virtual reality, it delivers more immersive and accessible experiences, making it a key focus for the industry’s evolution. 

Do you have a favourite hidden gem in Manchester you’d recommend to visitors? 

There are so many great spots to choose from! But if I had to pick a couple, I’d say YES Bar - a vibrant four-floor venue that includes a bar, food vendors, live music spaces like the Basement and the Pink Room, as well as a rooftop terrace. It’s really a hub for Manchester’s creative community, hosting a diverse range of live music from indie and electronic to post-punk. 

On the food side, I’d recommend This & That, a famous no thrills café in the Northern Quarter known for its “rice and three” dishes. Established in the 1980s, it serves authentic home-style Indian dishes and is a popular spot for locals!