As the UK’s third largest city, Manchester has plenty to attract event organisers from near and far, as Meet in Manchester illustrates.
With an identity that is always evolving, there is a huge buzz around Manchester, making it an in-demand destination for conferences and events in 2024. Its growing reputation as a top visitor destination, sector strengths that have earned it the title of Northern Powerhouse, and its vibrancy, expertise, and variety of events spaces all make Manchester the ideal host city for meetings of all shapes and sizes. Full of classic Mancunian character, the city is going from strength to strength and it’s time you and your delegates saw it for yourselves.
Over the next decade, Greater Manchester has big plans to continue its journey as a revolutionary pioneer in innovation, sustainability, and culture. As the first city-region in the UK to set a science-based target to become carbon neutral by 2038, twelve years ahead of the government target, Greater Manchester takes sustainability seriously. With proven dedication to the renewal of green spaces, projects like Castlefield Viaduct and Mayfield Park show Manchester’s dedication to continual eco-conscious growth and new activities for delegates visiting the city. Plus, a city-wide investment in public transport infrastructure means that travelling to and from events in an eco-friendly way has never been easier. As one of the UK’s best-connected cities, delegates can choose between tram, train, bus or active travel methods to get them to and from events, lowering the carbon footprint.
It’s not just a sustainability focus, the sector strengths in health innovation, life sciences, digital creativity, and advanced materials form a natural part of the city’s academic DNA and have done for centuries. Home to world-class universities which collaborate with industry to create a cross-sector innovation ecosystem, in Manchester you can find expertise in abundance.
2024 is set to be a big year for the city-region and its visitor economy, with an abundance of new openings, iconic events, and brand- new experiences. As a city with an already infamous social cultural and event scene, Greater Manchester has always been well- received by delegates from all over the world.
Recently, the city saw a new cultural landmark emerge with the long-awaited arrival of Aviva Studios, the home to Factory International. The new studios are a hive for invention and discovery, offering a year-round programme of the world’s best theatre, dance, art exhibitions and music to the city. They also offer flexible event spaces without limits, allowing planners to use their full creative powers for proposals.
Manchester solidified its position as a globally recognised cultural hub when it recently hosted the 23/24 Metiers d’art Chanel collection, bringing supermodels and fashion’s high rollers to the Northern Quarter. It isn’t just fashion making its way home though; it was recently announced that the Royal Northern College of Music will be hosting the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, considered one of biggest nights in Classical music and it’s first time being hosted outside of London.
With an abundance of live entertainment, museums and galleries, restaurants and so much more, there’s something for everyone in Greater Manchester so you can be sure delegate downtime will be unique, memorable and truly Mancunian. One of the largest openings for 2024 is the launch of Coop Live, which is set to be the UK’s largest indoor music arena, giving both international artists and homegrown talent the opportunity to bring their shows to thousands of fans, and for major event planners to think big for exhibitions, congresses, and tournaments.
Awarded the title of Top Five Cities in the World Globally for Sport according to BCW, many exciting sports events are coming to the city in 2024, including the WTT Feeder series in Table Tennis. This would not be possible without the Manchester Convention Bureau’s Sporting Bidding Unit.
This dedicated team works closely with UKSport and MCR Active to secure long- term bids to boost the local economy and bring these world-class sporting events to Manchester. However, you don’t have
to be spectating to enjoy Manchester’s sporting heritage, the world-famous Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, can host incredible events – bringing the excitement of the Premier League to your conference whatever the subject matter.
With so much to do it’s no surprise that Manchester will see several new hotels open this year, including the long-awaited Treehouse Hotel which is set to become one of the most sustainable hotels in the UK. Manchester Convention Bureau’s Accommodation Booking Service can help you find the perfect hotel for your attendees if you’re booking an event in the city, covering all budgets and requirements.
With the ability to host events and conferences of all shapes and sizes, the spaces on offer across Greater Manchester can suit any vision while keeping you and your attendees in the epicentre of Manchester’s hive of activity. One of Manchester’s most sought-after venue is the award-winning Manchester Central, located in the heart of the city with over 2,500 hotel bedrooms within a five minute walk. The Manchester Convention Bureau is already supporting over 80 events for 2024 and beyond. Including WOMEX 24, 19th International Inner Wheel Convention, MeCCSA Conference, DTX 2024 and The Business of Science Conference.
When planning an event, the Bureau is on hand to support with all stages of the planning process, from bidding to event management and even helping to provide the classic Mancunian warm welcome for all attending delegates.
Stephanie Newton, Head of Business Tourism at the Manchester Convention Bureau says: “There’s never been a more exciting time to host an event in the city. With so many new cultural and entertainment venues, restaurants, and green spaces, the city is in high demand. Our commitment to sustainability is appealing to event planners looking for a more conscious destination and our industrial past combined
with our innovative ambitions are fuelling our reputation as the place to make things happen. Luckily, we have a wide variety of event spaces which can be tailored to any event in any sector, each bringing a uniquely Mancunian feel which delegates and planners love.
“Manchester is renowned for its collaboration. and we want to make event planning as simple as possible so that you can enjoy our great city and all it has to offer. To assist association planners, we’ve also recently launched our MBassador programme, helping us to connect with academics and tap into our wealth of academic excellence; providing more innovative, engaging events for all.’’
See Meetinmanchester.com for further information.