Victoria Braddock, MD of Marketing Manchester, explains why event organisers love Manchester’s warm welcome as the organisation turns 30.
Manchester is one of the UK’s most forward-thinking destinations for conferences and business events. At the centre of this momentum is Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, who leads the city region’s place promotion strategy and its ambition to grow its global events footprint.
As Marketing Manchester turns 30 this year, Victoria explains Manchester’s evolving offer and why the city is a destination of choice for world-class events.
Hi Victoria! How is Manchester positioning itself in the global business events marketplace, and what sets the city apart for planners?
Manchester is deliberately positioning itself as a destination where events can deliver genuine impact, something Marketing Manchester has been championing for the last three decades. We’ve watched the city transform, becoming exceptionally well connected, internationally recognised for our strengths, and with a long track record of hosting world-leading events. Look at the year we’ve just had – from the Brits to the BIBA Conference, that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
A big part of that success comes from our Conference Ambassador programme, where esteemed academic leaders play a pivotal role in attracting high-profile academic events. They strengthen bids by helping to shape programme content and connect events with wider academic communities.
Organisers often tell us that planning here feels refreshingly straightforward. It’s the blend of big city capability and down-to- earth Mancunian charm that helps events really shine.
How important is Manchester’s international connectivity in attracting global conferences and supporting delegate experience?
Reliable connectivity is vital. Manchester Airport is the largest outside London with direct flights to over 200 destinations, so getting here is straightforward. The ongoing multi-billion-pound transformation, including the redevelopment of Terminal 2, is making sure it stays a world-class gateway for inter- national delegates.
The Bee Network provides tram, bus, and active travel routes across the city region, making it easy to move between venues, hotels, and our thriving bars and restaurants. The city centre is compact and walkable, giving delegates the chance to take in the sights while getting around.
Greater Manchester has a bold 2038 net-zero target, how is this shaping the city’s approach to sustainable events?
Manchester wants to lead by example on sustainability. Our 2038 carbon neutral target drives action across the visitor economy, and it’s one of the reasons we’re the highest ranked English destination on the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
Through the Manchester Convention Bureau, a part of Marketing Manchester, organisers have access to resources and guidance to help them plan more sustainable and socially impactful events. Many of our venues and hotels are already leading the way with renewable energy and sustainable catering.
So, in a nutshell, why Manchester?
Manchester throws its arms around every event it hosts, it’s a city built to welcome people and bring them together. Yes, we have global connectivity, exceptional venues, and sector strengths, but we’ve also got that unmistakable Mancunian spirit that makes every visitor feel part of our story.
It’s made our job at Marketing Manchester over the last three decades a privilege, and to see the world embrace Manchester as we do is something truly special. In short, if you want a city with a warm welcome and world-class ambition, come to Manchester!
To explore how the city can support your next conference or business event, visit Meet in Manchester and discover why organisers are choosing Manchester as the place where great minds meet.