Conference Venues in Manchester

Conference Venues Hire Guide

Looking for a professional conference venue in Manchester but not sure what to consider? We take away the guesswork. Here at Tagvenue, we’re listing Manchester’s best conference centres of all kinds: seminar and symposium spaces, private members clubs, MICE venues, and many more. To give you a quick overview, we’ve prepared a list of Manchester’s most popular conference venue types:

• Luxury conference venues – When it comes to upscale conferences in Manchester, state-of-the-art hotels in the city centre are found amongst the most popular options. Apart from meeting rooms and halls, these types of conference venues offer five-star accommodation as well. If your business meeting or conference is set for several days and the guests are arriving from different places, hiring a Manchester conference hotel is one of the best possible moves. If you’re expecting attendees from abroad, it might be a really good idea to hire a conference venue near Manchester airport (there’s a wide choice of hotels in that area).
• University conference venues – A common choice for academic events or seminars, but the potential of these spaces doesn’t end there. Home to numerous universities and colleges, Manchester offers a wide variety of conference venues in a university. These are often historical buildings, which means they make a one-of-a-kind backdrop for events that deserve a special setting. Many of them provide event spaces to host a large capacity, so if you’re looking for a big conference venue in Manchester, remember to consider academic spaces.
• Cheap conference venue options in Manchester– Even when you’re tight on budget, with Tagvenue, you’re sure to find the best venues for business meetings and other corporate events. There are several ways to cut down on costs. One of the solutions is hiring a dry-hire conference venue. This means you’re paying just for space, and arranging other elements (seats, decor and other components you might need) is up to you. The choice is even wider when you consider the Greater Manchester area, which is full of community halls, warehouses and other affordable conference venues that won’t break the bank.
• Conference venues in Salford Quays – our favourite spot in Greater Manchester, modern Salford Quays (home to MediaCityUK, one of the most vibrant waterfront destinations in the area) is a great conference location – stunning night views included! The district is well connected with other neighbourhoods via Metrolink and several major roads.

How to plan a successful conference in Manchester

When organising a conference in Manchester, there are several things you should keep in mind. Our venue experts picked their favourite tricks to make planning even easier for you. Here are a couple of tips for planning a conference:

When organising an innovative convention or a brainstorming session, opt for conference rooms as unique as your ideas. One of the best neighbourhoods to look for those in is Manchester’s Northern Quarter. From Port Street to Shudehill, the area is full of cool industrial spaces and other unusual corporate event venues of all shapes and sizes. Remember that quirky surroundings stimulate creativity and make your event more memorable!

Pick a theme for your conference: Having one will help you set up the agenda and choose the best speakers. Last but not least, it will make it easier to book the right venue for your next conference – Manchester offers spaces with many different styles, so it’s best to go for something consistent with the overall idea. Need an example? For a convention based on stimulating business growth, search for convention centres in a successful business area of Manchester, such as the Central Retail District.

Plan the agenda wisely: Certain points tend to take more time than expected. To avoid being forced to skip some of the important parts, schedule the key objectives in the middle of the conference. Remember that the attendees’ attention span has limits – set regular breaks and prepare some snacks, drinks and coffee. Full-day conventions require providing extended catering—some conference venues in Manchester offer in-house catering or work with recommended caterers. There are also self-catering conference spaces that allow you to arrange it yourself.

Gather the right team: Organising a conference is no easy task, so if you can, don’t take it all upon yourself. Look at different points of your plan and see which of the tasks you can delegate. Not only will this make things easier for you, but it will also give others an opportunity to get involved with your event. If you work in an office environment with other people who have experience in organising corporate events, meetings and conferences, get them involved! They may be able to lend their expertise in areas where you may need help.

Plan extra entertainment: Although entertainment is not the main reason why people attend conferences, giving the attendees something extra to look forward to will be a nice touch to your event, and it will give them something to chat about. Think mini concerts, DJs or photo booths with some fun props. Well-planned-out entertainment sessions may also encourage some networking. If you’re struggling to find the best entertainment option for your event, talk to the venue you’re booking. They might work with some entertainers and may provide deals on hiring them

Take advantage of technology: It might seem obvious, but these days, there are so many apps out there that can make our lives easier when planning events. There are also online tools where you can not only store information but also plan, assign tasks, and keep track of your planning process.

FAQs about Conference Venues in Manchester

How much does it cost to hire conference venues in Manchester?

Conference venues are available for hire from £30 to £114 per hour, with prices beginning at £350 for a full day. Some meeting spaces offer package rates for groups of people, starting at £30 per person. The price of the conference venues varies depending on their size and the date and time you choose. Explore the venues on our listing and find the best conference venues near you. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of Manchester are best for hiring a conference venue?

The most popular area for conferences in Manchester is the city centre, especially around Piccadilly Gardens and the Royal Exchange Theatre. The area boasts a variety of convention centres, surrounded by numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes, ensuring convenience during event breaks. If you're looking for an easily accessible spot, Manchester Piccadilly Station offers an ideal location for business meetings and conferences. Spinningfields, renowned as the city’s business district, harbours professional venues for corporate events, epitomising a fusion of remarkable architecture and a conducive business atmosphere. And if any of the attendees are flying in, you'll find hotels with conference facilities near Manchester Airport.

Can I hire a conference venue on a budget in Manchester?

Yes, affordable conference venues are accessible in Manchester. Identifying the event space's size before hiring is crucial to avoid overspending. Differentiating between large venues for business conferences and small conference spaces for intimate meetings ensures that the selected location aligns with your specific requirements and budget. Exploring off-peak times and package deals offered by these meeting spaces can also present opportunities for budget-friendly options.

Can you recommend top-rated conference venues in Manchester?

• Science and Industry Museum - a historical venue equipped with all the state-of-the-art facilities you may need for your business event. Located in the heart of the city, near Deansgate, it's easy to get to, making it a great spot for visitors from outside the city. Rated 4.9/5
• Manchester Art Gallery - a versatile conference room in Chinatown exuding artistic flair and fully equipped, suitable for a spectrum of events from art showcases to comprehensive business meetings. With tailored packages, the venue can cater to any needs you may have. Rated 4.7/5
• GRUB - this creative space will make for a great backdrop to more casual events. However, it can be fully adjusted to meet your requirements, whether it's a formal business conference or a team bonding session. You'll find it near the Green Quarter. Rated 4.9/5