There’s no destination better-suited to make an impact at CHS Birmingham on 28th October than the UK’s ‘pioneering city’ of makers and innovators, Derby.
Derby, the city of trailblazers who are impacting the world in their field of expertise, is alive with recent, current, and future changes that will see it become one of the UK’s top locations for meetings, events, and group travel.
Building on its inaugural appearance at CHS Birmingham back in 2023, Derby is back in 2025 as part of a long-term strategy built entirely on the transformative changes currently taking place throughout the city centre. Recent developments include the complete reconfiguration of the site of the world’s first factory into an award-winning museum called the Museum of Making as well as the creation of a new 3,500 capacity performance and conference venue managed by world-leading venue operator, Legends Global – Vaillant Live.
The £18 million Museum of Making, which was shortlisted down to the last five for the 2022 ‘Museum of the Year’ prize, has also scooped three architecture awards and houses The Italian Mill – a dedicated events space that stands on the banks of the River Derwent, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vaillant Live is one of the most comprehensive city centre regeneration schemes and future planned phases will include office and commercial space as well as a new hotel.
Joining the pioneering party of spectacular venues after a multi-million-pound refurbishment is the stunning Grade II listed Derby Market Hall. The Victorian building’s most iconic feature – the striking cast iron, copper, and glass roof – was designed by Derbyshire-born engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, whose later work included the roof of London St. Pancras railway station.
Derby Market Hall is so much more than just a market! Street food traders serve up delicious cuisine from across the globe, artists of all sorts deliver a buzzing programme of events and activities, and local creatives offer up a mix of unique products and experiences. The flexible space features meeting rooms or private hire/hybrid options for exhibitions, events, and conferences looking for a truly unique and memorable venue.
Other partners on the Derby stand at CHS Birmingham will include the world-class Derby Arena that stands adjacent to Derby County FC’s Pride Park, the state-of-the-art Derby Conference Centre, Leonardo Hotel Derby, Holiday Inn Derby Riverlights, and, of course, VisitDerby itself.
Derby’s Visitor Economy Development Manager, Stella Birks, explains: “This is an opportunity of a lifetime for the city, which historically has an incredible track record for making the most of a moment like this. What I would say to anyone who doesn’t already truly know Derby, is: we’re aiming to make an impact and shape some very positive opinions at CHS Birmingham. We want everyone to find out exactly what’s making us so different from similar UK destinations. Please come along and see us to find out more!”
CHS Birmingham stands at the very forefront of Derby’s strategy to create a stir among the meetings, events, and group travel market segments. Bringing a new level of confidence and vibrancy to the autumn event, the VisitDerby stand D20 will be offering a themed familiarisation visit in March 2026.
For anyone unable to attend the event, further details can be found at Visitderby.co.uk/conferences