Conference Venues in Manchester

Looking for a 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 venues 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 conference rooms and halls, they offer five-star accommodation as well. If your conference is set for several days and the guests are arriving from different places, hiring a 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, but the potential of these spaces doesn’t end there. Home to numerous universities and colleges, Manchester offers a wide variety of university conference venues. 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 space 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 a great conference venue. 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 place for conferences – stunning night views included! The district is well connected with other neighbourhoods via Metrolink and several convenient roads.

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 venues 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 conference 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 for you to pick the right conference venue – Manchester offers spaces with many different styles, so it’s best to go for something that’s consistent with the overall idea. Need an example? For a convention based on stimulating business growth choose a venue 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. Keep in mind that the attendees’ attention span has its limits – set regular breaks and prepare some snacks, drinks and coffee. Full-day conferences require providing extended catering. Some venues in Manchester offer in-house catering or work with recommended caterers. There are also self-catering conference venues 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, 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 events, 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 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 for it. 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. 

Conference Venues in Manchester FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a conference venue 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 rooms offer package rates for groups of people, starting at £30 per person. The price of the conference venues vary depending on their size, and the date and time you choose. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

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 has lots of bars, restaurants and cafes close by so it's easy to get food and drinks during breaks during the event. If you're looking for an easily accessible spot, then look no further than Manchester Piccadilly Station. Spinningfields, the city's business district, is great if you're planning a business conference. There you will find lots of venues with cool architecture that will impress your clients, and the area has great shopping and dining options for breaks throughout the day.

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

Yes, you can hire a conference venue in Manchester on a budget. Firstly, make sure what size of the venue you're looking for, so you don't hire one that's too big for you. Check out off-peak times when booking your venue. You could save money by choosing a time that isn't as popular or busy as other points during the year; certain days of the week can be cheaper than others as well. Some venues offer package deals, so make sure to ask about them as well.

Can you recommend any conference venues in Manchester?

CityCo Event & Meeting Spaces - a historical venue equipped with all the up-to-date facilities you may need for your business event. Located in the heart of Manchester, it’s easy to get to, making it a great spot for visitors from outside the city. Rated 4.9/5

Manchester Art Gallery - with many fully-equipped rooms, this fantastic venue is perfect not only for art-related events but also for business meetings of all sorts as well. With tailored packages, the venue can cater to any needs you may have. Rated 4.5/5

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 business conference or a team-bonding session. Rated 5.0/5