Conference Leeds offers a taste of the attractions making Leeds a top conference destination this year.
Welcoming millions of visitors every year, Leeds is an exceptional conferencing city and is one of the leading top 10 conference destinations in the UK, known for its independent spirit and international vision.
Leeds is the epicentre of the modern North, located in the heart of the UK. It’s an exciting city with a rich, industrial past and a reputation for its strengths in the world of manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and digital. With an outstanding venue portfolio, a vibrant culture and a thriving food and drink scene the city consistently delivers unique conference experiences for organisers and their delegates.
Conference Leeds provides insider knowledge into why Leeds is the perfect place to hold your next conference, revealing the reasons why delegates will have an unmatched city experience.
Unique venues
Leeds is geared up to inspire collaboration, creativity, and innovation, delivering mighty conferencing results, no matter what the event size. The city offers conference organisers a wealth of conference venues from character-filled listed buildings and sports stadiums to hotels with excellent residential facilities, alongside a unique independent venue scene and five leading universities.
For large scale events, the flagship venue Royal Armouries offers the largest dedicated conference space in Leeds.
“Leeds is the epicentre of the modern North, located in the heart of the UK.“
The Royal Armouries Museum just next door provides the perfect backdrop for networking and drinks receptions taking place in galleries housing the country’s national collection of armour. Among the many memorable conferencing locations, independent venues make up a huge part of the destination.
Opera North’s Howard Assembly Rooms provide a pitch perfect location for those organisers looking for an intimate conference in a beautifully restored historic venue which can cater for up to 300 delegates.
And with a nod to the history and heritage of the city, The University of Leeds’ Cloth Hall Court was originally constructed for the trade of ‘Yorkshire Broadcloths’ is a state- of-the art conference venue situated just minutes from the train station.
Accommodation options
Delegates can be assured they will get a good night’s sleep in Leeds, with plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs. Leeds is a walkable city, with an abundance of hotels close to most conference venues and Leeds Train Station, so no need to worry about transport.
Hosting a VIP? There are a whole host of luxury hotels perfect for extra-special guests and speakers. Voted one of the best hotels in Leeds, delegates can experience luxury accommodation and impeccable service at the Dakota Deluxe.
If you’re hosting a residential conference, treat guests to a stay at The Queen’s Hotel. Located right next door to Leeds Train Station, The Queen’s Hotel has the largest residential conferencing and banqueting facilities in the region, with plush, newly renovated bedrooms to boot.
Bulk-booking accommodation for delegates is also a popular option in Leeds with the Doubletree by Hilton offering a waterfront location with over 300 bedrooms. Or opt for the refurbished Marriott which is the brand’s flagship hotel in the North. Plus, later this year the prestigious Hyatt Place and Hyatt Home is set to open its doors in the city centre with another 300 rooms to add to the growing inventory.
Foodie capital of the North
Leeds has a growing reputation for being the foodie capital of the North, filled with thriving independents, big-name favourites, and establishments with fresh, local
produce, all within easy reach and perfect for social events and conference dinners.
The city offers an exceptional dining experience, from luxury to local. And
if award-winning dining is your thing,
Leeds has an abundance of restaurants appearing in the Michelin Guide, such as fine-dining restaurant HOME, newcomer The Collective and locals favourite Ox Club set on the ground floor of one of Leeds’ most iconic venues Headrow House.
Just like the conference venues, fantastic independent choices are on every corner; perfect for private dining events or a relaxed delegate dinner following a day of seminars. Try Shears Yard for the sparkling flavours of Europe, The Cheesy Living company for a Raclette night, or Tharavadu for award-winning Keralan cooking.
Only in Leeds
As one of the UK’s most vibrant and dynamic cities, Leeds is not just a hub for business; it’s a treasure trove of unique experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Filled with entertainment, the city is home to Hyde Park Picture House – the only remaining gaslit cinema in the world. Plus, the famous West Indian Carnival graces the streets of the city with a vibrant Caribbean celebration every summer. Retail therapy is plentiful at Trinity and Victoria Quarter in the city, with suburban villages such as Headingley, Oakwood and Chapel Allerton providing a quirkier shopping style.
Delegates can discover Leeds with guided tours too. Leeds Owl Trail is an urban adventure through the city’s streets or jump on Leeds’ one-of-a-kind water taxi and take in the array of architecture along the River Aire.
We’d love to welcome you to our city. For more information please contact Conference Leeds on info@ conferenceleeds.co.uk or visit Conferenceleeds.co.uk