Manchester: Homegrown Conference and Incentive Travel
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As the appetite for sustainable MICE options grows, businesses are avoiding flights and turning their attention to potential options on their doorsteps. Look no further than Manchester, a homegrown, premium and accessible destination in the middle of the country.
Steeped in cultural history, music and sport, it’s got all the key ingredients for arranging memorable corporate events, rewarding your star players, or entertaining your key clients.
Following hot on Edinburgh’s heels, a supplementary City Visitor Charge @ £1.00 per room per night is levied from April 2023, contributing to ongoing marketing activities, plus the infrastructural maintenance needed to support Manchester’s formidable visitor experience.
In fact, the sheer choice of hotels, venues, and visitor attractions is quite overwhelming. But, here’s a few of our hot picks to get your creative juices flowing:
The iconic vaulted arches and original station clock welcome you to Manchester Central’s expansive exhibition spaces. But you’re not excluded if your requirements aren’t quite so colossal. Manchester Central can help, whether you’re looking for a boardroom meeting for 15, a training seminar for 75, or a company presentation for 800 in a state-of-the-art auditorium. As an additional massive advantage, it’s notably a leading light for Net Zero Carbon Events.
This true Manchester icon of timeless elegance, impeccable restaurants and blissful urban spa is where Rolls and Royce joined forces many moons ago. It retains its coveted spot as a jewel in Manchester’s crown, with 14 classic yet leading–edge conference and events spaces for up to 700 delegates, 312 sumptuous bedrooms, and three sought after dining experiences, including the 4AA rosette Adam Reid at The French.
Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel
Affectionately known locally as ‘The V&A’, this striking Grade II listed property has Manchester oozing from every pore. Expect exposed brickwork and industrial ambience on the banks of the lilting Manchester Ship Canal. It boasts 148 curious but captivating bedrooms and 10 meetings and events spaces. These airy suites can facilitate up to 240 people with five breakouts when used in conjunction, plus an attractive outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the city.
The majestic Lowry offers up its own unique combination of fabulousness and functionality to MICE organisers. There’s a distinct sense of occasion about its dedicated events floor, which includes a separate ground floor entrance, bar, registration area and exclusive pre-function lobby. What’s more, it’s configurable in multi-flexible ways, for up to 600 people standing or 400 delegates in a theatre style layout. On top of that, there’s 165 awe-inspiring bedrooms and 12 breathtaking suites, including the Presidential Suite, which the hotel itself describes as “slightly outrageous”.
Itinerary Ideas
You don’t have to travel far to create an unforgettable incentive experience and there’s loads of opportunities in Manchester to offer those ‘money can’t buy’ memories as part of a reward trip for staff, buyers or partners.
Northern Belle – Luxury sightseeing and hospitality aboard the UK’s answer to the Orient Express – train travel is seeing a huge resurgence and it’s often a ‘first’ for most to experience the super luxury experience of a bygone age. It’s possible to charter a carriage or even the whole train either as part of the trip or as a way to start or finish in true style.
AO Arena – The Beautiful North – The concert Arena’s newest “super suite”, comprising private bar, tapas style dining and unparalleled stage views. Treat your group to an exclusive experience with the hottest tickets and seats in town.
Tattu – Private dining or exclusive hire of this stunning contemporary Chinese restaurant, serving fusion cuisine and sensory cocktails in luxe, immersive surroundings under indoor cherry blossom trees
Dakota Hotel – The lovingly prepared and honestly presented fayre at one of Manchester’s most impressive newcomers has fast become renowned as the best Sunday lunch in town
Harvey Nicols – Opulent retail therapy and personal shopping packages, with a break for spot of stylish afternoon tea
Worsley Park Country Club – Ultimate indulgence at the Spa of Senses, or a round on the 18-hole PGA Championship golf course? You decide.
Manchester United and Manchester City – Premiership match day ticketing and hospitality
New Openings
With huge credit going to Chetan Shah, Susie Harwood and the fabulous team at Micebook, they’ve also recently published this excellent piece taking a look at the hottest new openings in Manchester which are definitely worth checking out.
https://micebook.com/blog/2023/03/27/6-hot-new-venues-in-manchester
Spurred by this tiny taste of what Manchester can offer? Get in touch with us, at Brightspace Events. Whether you’re looking for a meeting room, a product launch or a top-notch incentive programme, we can’t wait to inspire and delight you with tailored options to suit your unique needs.
