Identifying the perfect conference venue in Manchester for your international event can set the tone for its success. Manchester, a vibrant city in the heart of the UK, boasts an array of outstanding venues that cater to corporate events, conferences, and various professional gatherings. With sophisticated conference facilities and expansive event spaces, Manchester stands out as a top contender for hosting international conferences. The choice of a conference venue near you in Manchester could very well determine the level of engagement, accessibility, and overall experience for your attendees, making it crucial to select wisely.
This article provides an insightful overview of the top conference venues Manchester offers for international events. From the illustrious Manchester Central Convention Complex to the historic charm of the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, each venue brings something unique to the table. Featuring cutting-edge conference centres with top-of-the-line conference facilities, to cosy spaces for more intimate gatherings, you’re sure to find the ideal venue hire to match your requirements.
Manchester Central Convention Complex
Manchester Central Convention Complex is the home of pioneering events, where service and expertise are at the heart of it all. The venue offers a range of dedicated internet solutions for exhibitors with advanced connectivity requirements, recommending services that will best meet their needs. On the day and prior to the event, the Manchester Central team and their preferred AV suppliers, Sterling Event Group, can meet all your audio-visual needs, whether creating the right look with innovative production techniques or enhancing your event with their state-of-the-art technical infrastructure.
Manchester Central Convention Complex Accessibility
Manchester Central is designed for maximum accessibility at all their events. Their teams are regularly trained to support visitors’ needs and provide an inclusive welcome for all. The venue has three entrances which are all accessible, sensor-activated, and feature Paxton Intercoms for assistance from the Control Room if required. Most of their exhibition space is on the ground floor/street level, and events on the first floor can be accessed via lifts. They have accessible toilets in each of the main event spaces across the venue, including emergency pull cords. Assistance dogs are welcome at the venue, and they have a permanent Prayer Room and Quiet Room, with additional ones available upon request by the organiser.
Manchester Central Convention Complex Technology
Manchester Central has upgraded its Wi-Fi capabilities to increase hosting capacity up to five times in some spaces, making it the first major venue to offer free Wi-Fi for organisers, exhibitors, and visitors. Access points within the 23,000m2 venue have been upgraded to the latest technology, equipping it to handle higher volumes of people and provide an even faster, more reliable service. When guests connect to Manchester Central’s Wi-Fi, they’re provided with useful venue and city information to enhance their visit. To get the best results, they recommend using 5GHz (IEEE 802.11n-2009 standard) wireless-compatible devices.
Manchester Central is committed to the success of events and continually developing its services and facilities, with significant investment in internal IT facilities and numerous improvements to the venue’s digital signage, making it easier for clients to customise and providing high-impact branding opportunities to promote their event.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has 17 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 4 to 1000 delegates, making it ideally located in the heart of Manchester city. The beautiful Ballroom combines many original, listed features with all the technology needed to run a large conference. With an area of 885 sqm, it is the largest single event space within a hotel in the Northwest of England.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Amenities
The hotel offers flexible meeting spaces that can be cleverly separated with soundproofed dividers to create smaller rooms :
- Whitworth Room 1 has double-height windows along two walls and a full bar.
- Whitworth Rooms 2 and 3 also feature double-height windows.
Other amenities include:
- The Directors’ Rooms are furnished with an elaborate staircase in bronze and Carrera marble.
- The Oak Rooms, Oak Boardroom, and Oak Lounge provide flexible space for up to 100 guests above the Ballroom.
- Quirky Clock Tower meeting rooms on the mezzanine floor with generous breakout space.
- Comprehensive multimedia and audio-visual support.
- Office supplies are available in meeting rooms.
- Shipping services.
- Distinctive catering services.
- Meeting registration services.
- Printing services.
- Creative meeting and event concept consultation.
- Facsimile services.
- Wireless internet access throughout the hotel.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Accessibility
The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with closets, controls for heating/AC/lights, and furniture that can be rearranged for additional space. Guest rooms and access routes are wheelchair accessible, with emergency cords/buttons, grab bars, and adequate turning space in bathrooms. Guest room plumbing is also padded with clearance beneath vanities.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Technology
All guests get complimentary high-speed internet access during their stay. The hotel has accessible rooms with modified bathtubs/bars and roll-in showers. Connecting rooms are available upon request.
Manchester Conference Centre
Manchester Conference Centre offers bespoke conference facilities that cater to all your event needs. The venue boasts 15 meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, and 117 bedrooms as part of the Pendulum Hotel. The conference facilities include a professional theatre, large private catering spaces for up to 280 guests, and state-of-the-art AV technology such as projectors, screens, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The venue also provides flip charts and other essential equipment to ensure a seamless event experience.
Manchester Conference Centre Accessibility
Manchester Conference Centre prioritizes accessibility for all attendees. The venue offers paid parking facilities nearby, making it convenient for those driving to the event. Additionally, the in-house catering service ensures that your guests are well taken care of throughout the duration of the event.
Manchester Conference Centre Technology
The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology, including projectors, screens, and free high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and seamless event experience. The conference facilities are designed to accommodate a wide range of events, from small meetings to large-scale conferences, with the necessary technological infrastructure in place.
Manchester Conference Centre is an unbeatable conference venue offering purpose-built meeting and conference facilities all year round. With its comprehensive amenities, accessibility features, and cutting-edge technology, it provides an ideal setting for hosting successful international events in Manchester.
Hilton Manchester Deansgate
You can experience the epitome of luxury and convenience at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. The hotel boasts a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. It features a designated drop-off point for seamless arrivals and departures. Additionally, the hotel offers its own parking facilities, providing you with hassle-free access to your vehicle during your stay.
The Hilton Manchester Deansgate houses a total of 287 rooms, catering to diverse accommodation needs. For those seeking enhanced accessibility, the hotel offers 16 accessible rooms with ensuite facilities, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience. Furthermore, 7 of these rooms are equipped with a wet room or wheel-in shower, while 9 rooms feature a shower, and another 9 rooms have a bath.
To cater to families or groups, the hotel provides adjoining rooms for both accessible and standard rooms, allowing you to enjoy a seamless and connected stay. Other amenities include a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness suite, ensuring that you can maintain your wellness routine during your visit.
Hilton Manchester Deansgate Accessibility
The Hilton Manchester Deansgate prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and accommodated. The hotel offers accessible toilet facilities, catering to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, various auxiliary aids are available upon request, including bed raisers, bath steps, bath seats, bath mats, and raised toilet seats, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience.
For individuals with specific needs, the hotel provides a designated place of safety that can be utilized by people with dementia, autism, or learning disabilities. Furthermore, a meeting room can be set aside upon advance request, ensuring a tailored and inclusive environment for your events or gatherings.
While the hotel does not currently have a Hilton Team Member trained in British Sign Language, alternative format documents can be provided in different languages or large print upon request, facilitating effective communication. Water bowls are also available for assistance dogs, ensuring their comfort during your stay.
Hilton Manchester Deansgate Technology
The Hilton Manchester Deansgate is committed to providing a seamless and technologically advanced experience. The hotel offers mobility aids, including wheelchairs, which can be obtained by contacting the concierge or main reception. This ensures that guests with mobility challenges can navigate the premises with ease and independence.
Additionally, the hotel features conference and meeting facilities located on the first and second floors, equipped with the necessary technology and infrastructure to host successful events. While specific details about the technology available in these facilities are not provided, you can expect a seamless and well-equipped experience for your conferences or meetings.
Overall, the Hilton Manchester Deansgate offers a comprehensive range of amenities, accessibility features, and technological advancements, making it an ideal choice for hosting international events in Manchester.
The Studio Manchester
The Studio Manchester offers ten vibrant spaces, serving as a perfect blank canvas for any event, be it a training session, meeting, party, or wedding reception. These spaces are designed to provide a welcoming and innovative atmosphere, ensuring the success of your event. The venue boasts cutting-edge facilities, including natural ventilation, individually controlled air conditioning, sensor lighting, and water-saving features. Accommodating from 2 to 220 guests, The Studio presents light, bright, and innovative spaces, ideal for your bright ideas. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a flipchart, a projector, and a screen are included in the most basic packages, and Apple TV is available throughout the venue.
The Studio Manchester Accessibility
The Studio Manchester is conveniently located at 51 Lever Street, in the Piccadilly district of Manchester, just a few minutes away from all major transport links. Paid parking facilities are available nearby, making it easily accessible for those driving to the event.
The Studio Manchester Technology
The Studio Manchester is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and utmost care for clients, ensuring that events run smoothly and safely. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a flipchart, a projector, and a screen are included in the most basic packages, and Apple TV is available throughout the venue, providing a technologically advanced experience for your events.
The Studio Manchester offers a unique blend of amenities, accessibility, and technology, making it an excellent choice for hosting international events in Manchester. With its versatile spaces, cutting-edge facilities, and convenient location, it provides an ideal setting for successful events.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester
The Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester offers a modern and versatile space for hosting conferences and events. One of the standout amenities is the Halle Suite, Manchester’s largest venue with natural daylight that can accommodate up to 500 guests. This suite is ideal for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and private dining events, providing maximum flexibility.
Additionally, the hotel features 20 fully equipped meeting rooms, purposely designed to cater to various event requirements, such as board meetings, training courses, and presentations. If a larger area is required, partitions between other spaces can be removed, or additional spaces can be hired in the Halle Conference Centre for use as breakout and refreshment areas.
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, the hotel offers catering options ranging from luscious working lunches and sandwich or deli platters to fork buffets or sit-down dinners, all prepared by the hotel’s superb restaurant.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Accessibility
The Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester is conveniently located in the heart of Manchester’s city center, making it easily accessible for attendees. The hotel’s 263 bedrooms and suites, ranging from stylish doubles and twins, provide comfortable accommodation options for guests.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Technology
While specific details about the technology available in the meeting rooms and event spaces are not provided, the hotel’s commitment to offering modern and fully equipped facilities suggests that you can expect a technologically advanced experience for your conferences or events.
voco Manchester Piccadilly
voco Manchester Piccadilly boasts 189 stylish bedrooms with premium corporate hospitality that sits alongside versatile dining right in the heart of Manchester city centre. The hotel offers a range of amenities for guests, including a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and bar. You can savour the flavours of life in their restaurant or elevate your event with stunning skyline views across Manchester from their bar.
From ceremonies and celebrations to conferences and training sessions, voco Manchester offers flexible and adaptable spaces effortlessly tailored to any occasion. Their functions facility, Portland Heights, is a versatile area that can be divided into three multi-functional rooms: Portland, Oxford, and Victoria, where they can accommodate all manner of events from business meetings and break-outs, celebrations, private parties, and weddings.
With state-of-the-art AV and lighting, it’s also a great place for a screening or press conference. They have a fantastic banqueting facility with a whole range of options and accommodation offers for events.
voco Manchester Piccadilly Accessibility
Located in the heart of the city, in the vibrant neighborhood known as ‘Cottonopolis,’ you’ll discover everything you need and everywhere you want to go right on your doorstep. The hotel is a 500m walk from Manchester Piccadilly, which also connects all links to Manchester airport, close proximity to Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Victoria railway stations. There are three large public car parks within a two-minute walk from the hotel.
voco Manchester Piccadilly Technology
The hotel offers technology features such as high-speed Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, and smart TVs in the guest rooms. Free Wifi is available for all guests.
The Bridgewater Hall
The Bridgewater Hall offers unique and exciting spaces for conferences and events in Manchester city centre. It provides a unique environment that can accommodate up to 1,800 delegates, with superb event facilities and in-house teams boasting a wealth of expertise in running events on all scales. The magnificent Auditorium is perfect for large-scale conferences and statement events, while the Barbirolli Room, Foyers, Charles Hallé Room, and Green Room cater to smaller events, breakout sessions, and exhibitions.
The venue’s professional, skilled in-house Bars and Catering team can cater for many occasions, with menus ranging from light breakfasts to delicious hot and cold buffets, stylish canapés, and impressive three-course dinners. The Head Chef will produce the perfect menu to complement your event, and the Bars and Catering team will provide a seamless service to enhance the experience for your guests. Special dietary requirements are catered for, and allergen information is available.
The Bridgewater Hall Accessibility
The Bridgewater Hall is conveniently located in Manchester city centre, with excellent transport links to and from the venue. It is easily accessible by rail, Metrolink, bus, and coach, with frequent train links to Manchester International Airport. Limited parking is available on-site for production vehicles, and several public car parks are located within proximity.
The Bridgewater Hall Technology
The Bridgewater Hall is a world-renowned concert hall, recognised for its outstanding acoustics and highly skilled technicians. The experienced team provides a full range of technical facilities and support to accommodate all events, from small meetings to large-scale conferences. The team will be on-site to assist throughout your event.
The venue offers complimentary WiFi and state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, including a flexible plum-coloured wool serge drape system, a full PA system with Meyer M2D curvilinear array, and Midas Heritage 2000 (40-10-1) console, outboard equipment, microphones, and a Clearcom intercom system. The lighting setup includes dimmable house lighting, a Strand 550 or Avolites Pearl 2000 lighting desk, a permanent lighting rig for orchestras, Robert Juliat Ivanhoe followspots, and various electrical power options for lighting and sound.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of Manchester’s rich landscape of conference venues, we’ve traversed the span from historic to modern, underlining the city’s appeal as a premier destination for international events. The diversity and vibrancy of the venues illustrate Manchester’s capability to host events of any scale and type. These venues not only fulfill the practical requirements of space and technology but also enrich the event experience with their unique characters and stories, ensuring that every conference, meeting, or corporate event stands out as a memorable occasion.
As we conclude, it’s clear that selecting the right venue is pivotal to the success of an event, affecting not just the practical execution but also the lasting impression it leaves on its participants. Manchester, with its blend of historical charm and modern innovation, offers a canvas upon which event planners can paint experiences that resonate long after the final delegate departs.
For those seeking further inspiration or guidance in planning their next event, explore more articles about Corporate Conference Spaces in Manchester on our blog, enriching your vision with the wealth of knowledge and insights available at your fingertips.
FAQs
What is the size and capacity of the Manchester Convention Centre?
Manchester Central boasts over 23,000 square metres of adaptable space, accommodating more than 10,000 individuals. The venue is suitable for various events including small business meetings, large-scale conferences, sporting events, public exhibitions, political gatherings, and major international trade fairs.
What are some recommended venues for hosting a party in Manchester?
There are numerous venues around Manchester ideal for parties, including:
- Aintree Racecourse, Aintree, L9 5AS
- 20 Stories, Manchester, M3 3EB
- Haydock Park, Merseyside & Lancs, WA12 0HQ
- DNA VR Manchester, Manchester, M2 1DH
- Jodrell Bank, Lower Withington, SK11 9DW
- Opera Grill
- The Monastery Manchester
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