7 Reasons Why You Should Bring Your Event to Manchester
As one of the largest cities in the North, Manchester has always been an important location within the UK. However, the past decade has marked a real turning point for the city as it has grown, with the population increasing by twice the average UK growth rate in that time.
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There is no doubt that Manchester’s profile as a destination city has been rising rapidly, but what makes the city so special and why is it a great location for events?
Take a look at our top 7 reasons why you should bring your event to Manchester:
The phrase “innovation hub” has been coined for Manchester’s rapidly growing Science, Digital, and Tech scene, and it is clear to see why.
With global players such as Google, BBC, IBM and Cisco setting up a base in Manchester, there has been an increase in the demand for, and investment in, new research and development taking place in the city.
This world-class innovation is reflected in the academic expertise across the city, with Greater Manchester’s universities producing globally recognised research and specialist industry experts. The access visiting events have to specialist knowledge from Manchester-based leading experts, as well as the ability to collaborate with individuals and organisations in these specialist areas, is unparalleled.
For decades, Manchester has been intrinsically associated with a vibrant and iconic music scene, from artists such as the Bee Gees in the 60s, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays in the 80s and Oasis in the 90s, to name just a few. However, the creative scene in Manchester extends far beyond globally recognised musicians; the city has become a beating heart of creative and cultural development and was even recognised by Adobe as the UK’s most creative city in 2024.
You don’t have to look far to see the incredible cultural offerings...
In Summer 2023, Aviva Studios opened its doors in the centre of the city. The opening of Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, was the largest national investment in a cultural development since Tate Modern in 2000. Beyond this, Manchester is proud to play host to global cultural events and exhibitions, and the city’s Northern Quarter was even selected by Chanel as their location for the 2023 Métiers d’Art fashion show, which saw an influx of celebrities and fashion icons arrive in the city.
Considering events on a regional scale, the success of Manchester Art Fair, which takes place annually at Manchester Central, is the perfect example of the demand for arts and design events.
The rise in leisure visitors going to a museum or gallery reflects this demand for culture, with 56% of these visitors heading to at least one of these institutions on their trip in 2023. It is easy to see why then there has been an increase in delegates enjoying ‘bleisure’ trips, where they are combining business and leisure trips to maximise their experiences.
So, whether you are looking to bring a creative event to Manchester or want to boost your event with creative offerings outside of the conference timetable, then Manchester is the perfect cultural destination.
We all know that, when travelling for work and events, an easy commute to your hotel after a long day of workshops or networking is always welcome. So, with Manchester’s rapidly growing hotel scene, it is easy to see why delegates and event organisers love the wide selection of hotels that Manchester has to offer.
To put Manchester’s hotel market into perspective, it is the largest outside of London by room count and is even set to increase by 22% in 2025, with numerous new hotels and developments in the pipeline.
At Manchester Central, we’re proud to have relationships with an incredible range of hotels across the city, across all price points and star ratings.
Our location in the heart of the city means we have more than 2,500 hotel bedrooms on our doorstep, all within a five-minute walk of the venue. With so many hotel options across the city, there is something to suit every event and budget. Manchester Convention Bureau also offers a free Accommodation Booking Service, which is available for bookings of 10 rooms or more. The service searches for availability and secures competitive rates on an allocation or contracted basis, saving you time and providing a seamless experience for delegates.
When looking at Manchester’s skyline, it is clear to see the city’s rich history marrying with the ever-evolving new developments that make Manchester what it is today.
Some of the city’s most iconic buildings have evolved with the changing needs of the population. Take Manchester Central, with its iconic arches and clockface; now existing as a thriving events and conference venue, but it was originally opened in 1880 to service the city as a train station.
Down the road from Manchester Central is Castlefield Viaduct, another example of the reinvention of a piece of industrial history. The old railway viaduct was transformed by the National Trust in 2022 into a ‘sky-garden’, which is now open to the public, with plans to extend the space.
"Manchester is an influential city and a hub for innovation in science, technology, education, sport, media, music and pharma - these industries and many others have appeal to AEO’s members and the vertical markets where they trade."
Association of Event Organisers (AEO)
Event organisers know that a delegate’s experience doesn’t begin when they arrive at an event, but instead begins when they start their journey towards an events venue. Whether travelling from another country, taking a trip across the UK, or just journeying within their home city, a well-connected city helps ensure a delegate’s experience of an event begins on the right foot.
Manchester, as well as being a very walkable city, boasts a wide range of accessible public transport options.
Whether travelling by train, plane, bus, car, or even tram, visitors are able to travel with ease...
As well as only being 2 hours by train from London, Manchester Airport is the 3rd busiest airport in the UK and is currently undertaking a £1 billion investment plan. Passenger capacity of Terminal 2 doubled in 2022, when the new building was opened, ensuring demand for travel to and from the city is met.
The transport links the city boasts ensure that events attracting delegates from across the globe are a success, and the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Bee Network - an integrated transport network for Greater Manchester comprising bus, tram, train cycling and walking routes - guarantees quick and smooth arrival to, from and around the city centre.
With over 80 of the FTSE 100 having a presence in the city, it is clear to see the strength of the business community that exists in Manchester. The city’s status as a hub for business is furthered by the likes of global corporates such as Amazon and GCHQ having a presence in Manchester.
The recognition of Manchester as an ideal city for business growth also includes the growth in entrepreneurs and independent businesses, with Manchester being named as the top new business location outside of London in 2024.
It is easy to see why events that bring people together, and encourage networking, are in demand amongst the business community.
Manchester has a real buzz to it as a city, but don’t just take our word for it…
The city has officially been recognised by numerous global publications as a ‘must-see’ destination for 2024 and 2025.
Not only did Manchester rank in the top 10 for Time Out's Best Places to Visit in the UK in 2024, but the city was also named one of the Best Places to Go in the UK in 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller.
Manchester also featured on Time Out’s list of the best 20 cities in the world in 2024, which considers the destinations culture, food (both quality and affordability), the nightlife, how the city makes people feel, and more.
Think Manchester could be the ideal location for your next event? Our Sales team at Manchester Central are always happy to chat about how our team can help you create your next unforgettable experience!
Get in touch with us on sales@manchestercentral.co.uk.
You can also find out more about the city, and what it has to offer, as well as gaining support in bid-writing through the Manchester Convention Bureau.
Insights and images courtesy of:
BuyAssociation
CityCo
Deloitte
Manchester Convention Bureau
The MEN
The Mill
The University of Manchester