Delegate numbers at Manchester Central have increased beyond pre-covid levels in recent months and contributed 12% more to the economy, according to the venue’s latest quarterly report.

Between April and June 2022, the venue held 56 events and greeted 100,419 visitors, a 13% rise in delegates compared to the same period in 2019.

Several events and conference hosts have also reported their largest attendance numbers at the venue. These numbers contributed £38.2m economic impact to the region, an uplift of 12% compared to the same timeframe in 2019.

The current figures come as Manchester Central completed its first normal trading quarter since the pandemic. During Covid-19 lockdowns, the venue invested in hybrid solutions to continue hosting interactive events. In an average year it attracts more than half a million visitors to the city and brings approximately £150m into Greater Manchester local economy.

Shaun Hinds, CEO, Manchester Central, said: “These last few months have been some of our busiest ever and demand has been incredibly strong. It’s brilliant to see events bounce back in the way that they have, and I’m so pleased to have the ‘buzz’ back under our roof again.

“These latest results show that there’s a real appetite for hosting large events in person right here in Manchester. And that has a really important positive impact on the recovery of the wider region, as spending around the venue on hotels, bars, restaurants, travel and much more has increased once again. It’s fantastic to see the city thriving, supporting jobs and helping to put the region on the global map.”

Events held at the venue

Events during the last quarter included Housing 2022, which recorded its highest visitor numbers having welcomed 8,300 attendees and 450 speakers. The BiBA (British Insurance Brokers’ Association) conference also attracted a strong number of attendees, with 8,066 delegates and 222 exhibiting companies.

Emma Chapman, head of conference, BIBA, said: “We set out to create an event to truly reunite the insurance industry in-person after a three-year hiatus due the pandemic. We were absolutely delighted to not only achieve our expectations but go beyond them. It was terrific to see thousands of insurance professionals again under one roof networking and doing business. Manchester warmly welcomes us each year and we are already looking forward to 2023.”

Source: Conference News