Manchester, England, pulsates with a unique blend of rich history, cutting-edge innovation, and vibrant culture. This dynamic city offers a compelling backdrop for your next conference, catering to diverse themes, budgets, and attendee sizes. Choosing the perfect setting requires thoughtful consideration and navigating the vast array of venues can be overwhelming. Fear not, esteemed conference organiser! This curated guide unveils some of Manchester’s premier venues, ensuring a successful and memorable event.
For the executive prestige:
- Manchester Central:
Occupying a central location, this iconic venue boasts award-winning catering, state-of-the-art facilities, and adaptable spaces like the panoramic Central Hall. Impress delegates with seamless event management and unparalleled service.
- The Midland Hotel:
Steeped in Victorian grandeur, this opulent hotel offers elegant conference spaces ideal for prestigious events. With 11 flexible meeting rooms and a large banqueting suite for up to 620 guests, the event spaces available within this historic venue all exude traditional charm.
For the creative collective:
- HOME:
This cultural hub pulsates with contemporary art, theatre, and film. Its adaptable spaces, like the transformed library, provide an inspiring backdrop for conferences seeking a stimulating aesthetic. Additionally, access to exhibitions and performances allows for immersive networking opportunities.
- The Lowry:
Situated on the River Irwell’s banks, this arts centre offers stunning vistas and modern conference facilities. Host presentations in the Quays Theatre or foster lively discussions in the spacious, light-filled foyer. The Lowry champions sustainability-conscious practices, aligning with eco-minded events.
For the tech-savvy summit:
- Emirates Old Trafford:
Immerse attendees in a world of innovation at this multi-function venue. The Players and Media Centre is a modern and high-end facility that isnโt just for cricketers and journalists. It boasts a wide variety of flexible space to create a tech-savvy event. Many of the rooms at this venue are perfect for corporate workshops, training, away days, smaller meetings and events.
- Department:
This co-working space caters to the digital nomad crowd. Its stylish and flexible meeting rooms come equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and can accommodate cutting-edge technology, ideal for agile conferences and workshops fostering collaboration and innovation.
For the eco-conscious consortium:
- Depot Mayfield:
Part of a landmark regeneration project that is transforming a derelict area of central Manchester into a vibrant new community with sustainable ecology at its core, Depot Mayfield is built into the vaults of the former Mayfield train station. It offers a flexible, multi-use 10,000 capacity venue with versatile spaces including a rooftop platform and sprawling yards.
- Victoria Warehouse:
Housed in a restored Victorian warehouse, this venue embraces industrial charm and sustainability practices seamlessly. Its event spaces boast natural light, recycled materials, and on-site catering featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Beyond the walls:
Manchester offers unique, unconventional venues beyond the traditional:
- Etihad Stadium:
Host your conference pitchside at the iconic home of Manchester City Football Club, offering an unforgettable experience for sports enthusiasts.
- National Football Museum:
Combine history and innovation by holding your event in this interactive museum, ideal for sports-related conferences.
- Castlefield Locks:
Manchester’s iconic canal system hosts unique boat tours, perfect for networking events with a scenic twist.
Pro tip: Prioritise accessibility, location (proximity to transportation and accommodation), and catering options when selecting your ideal venue.
Bonus: Leverage online platforms like Tagvenue, HireSpace, and HeadBox for detailed listings and virtual tours of Manchester’s diverse conference venues.
With its historic and diverse offerings, vibrant atmosphere, and commitment to innovation, Manchester promises a successful and memorable conference experience. Plan your Manchester meeting today, and allow the city to convene the minds you seek!
Havenโt got the time or energy to investigate venue options yourself? Make use of our free venue finding service and allow our experienced team to do the hard work for you! We have sourced private islands, converted monasteries, country hotels and many city centre treasures, some which have been wonderfully restored for our clients to enjoy.
