Explore one of the North’s most underrated event destinations with Welcome to Sheffield.
Discover the secrets of one of the North’s (and the UK’s) most likeable cities – and why it might just be the ideal destination for your events in 2022. You might be excused for thinking that Sheffield flies a little under the radar of other northern metropolises, but the city has long been quietly reinventing itself as the northern capital of cool.
From stylish venues and hip regeneration projects to its wealth of green space and sustainability credentials, Sheffield is a real crowd pleaser. Little wonder, then, that it was the only UK city in the top ten of Time Out’s latest European city breaks guide.
There’s space to breathe. Not every major city can boast of being inside a national park, yet a third of Sheffield lies with the celebrated Peak District. 61% of the city’s entire area is green space, making it a great destination to find venues with al fresco areas or build outdoor experiences into your event – elements that are likely to remain popular with attendees this year.
Sheffield is Britain’s greenest destination. Sustainability is a top priority as we head into 2022, and the city was ranked the UK’s most eco-friendly city by the researchers of Natwest’s Green Cities Report ahead of COP26, which drew on a range of environmental data including energy production, recycling, and car use.
In July Sheffield City Hall will host the Cycle Active City conference, focussing on active travel modes such as cycling and walking, and how they contribute to better public health, cleaner air, and increased community resilience – sharing best practice from everything the area has achieved to date.
A knowledge hub in a number of fields from technology to healthcare, its Russell Group university is ranked in the top 100 globally, with a cutting-edge reputation in engineering, smart materials, and stem cell technology. Its Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre will host the Nuclear Manufacturing Summit for the second time in November.
Jenny Paxman from the Nutrition Society explains why Sheffield was chosen for 2022 and what her delegates will be looking forward to in July: “Sheffield was picked due to its array of unusual and versatile venues all within a close proximity to one another and the amazing academics from the city’s two universities. The team also proposed a creative programme using its outdoor city and sustainability credentials – morning runs and yoga sessions for delegates and a showcase of sustainability stories from a range of local growers, producers, and food charities on our opening night.”
Venue highlights include the Winter Garden – Europe’s biggest urban glasshouse. Impressive facilities at both universities and the 2000+ seater Sheffield City Hall are complemented by stylish residential venues such as the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria and the Leopold Hotel.
Both universities have impressive, redeveloped spaces – the Atrium at Sheffield Hallam University’s stylish redevelopment has created the perfect focal point for any event. At the University of Sheffield their new Heartspace has a spectacular glass roof and connects some of the university’s best architectural buildings.
A new Radisson Blu hotel takes up residence in 2023, restoring charming Victorian architecture and introducing a stunning roof top bar.
The Conference Sheffield team are always available for advice on any aspect of event planning in the city. They can be contacted on 0114 273 5978 or you can find a wealth of information at Welcometosheffield.co.uk conference