Destination Spotlight: Greater Manchester
Introduction
Welcome to Greater Manchester and it’s waterfront destination where innovation, creativity, and business events come together effortlessly.
Set against a backdrop of world-leading media, culture and cutting-edge design, Salford Quays and MediaCity offer a destination that feels both forward-thinking and unmistakeably Manchester.
With an international airport offering flights to North America, Europe and Asia, as well as fast train routes to nearby cities and London, Greater Manchester is easily accessible. Whether you’re planning a conference, brand activation or immersive corporate experience, this is a location where ideas thrive and events become part of something bigger.
Venues
MediaCity
At the heart of it all is MediaCity, a globally recognised hub for digital, broadcast and creative excellence. It’s a place where ideas are made for screens of every size, and your event becomes part of the story.
Across the Piazza, the beautifully landscaped gardens and a collection of immersive content studios, MediaCity offers flexible, contemporary spaces. Designed for live broadcasts, experiential events and memorable brand activations, these venues deliver impact while maintaining the adaptability event planners need.
Step inside dock10, a powerhouse of production where podcast studios and broadcast‑ready facilities sit alongside some of the UK’s most iconic TV sets. From Match of the Day to well‑loved game shows, this is a place where national entertainment is created every day. Hosting an event here allows delegates to tap directly into that creative energy, adding a sense of purpose, authenticity and excitement that few venues can offer.
Lowry
Just steps away, Lowry blends cultural heritage with contemporary event design. Inside, you’ll find imaginative meeting and exhibition spaces alongside the UK’s largest theatre stage outside of London’s West End.
Lowry is also home to one of the most significant collections of L.S. Lowry’s work, complemented by immersive art experiences that spark creativity and conversation. For something truly memorable, the rooftop space offers sweeping views across the Quays and towards Old Trafford, the legendary home of Manchester United, creating a striking backdrop for receptions, conferences and gala dinners throughout the year.
Kargo
For informal networking, team socials or a flavoursome break between sessions, Kargo delivers global cuisines from an eclectic mix of independent vendors. It’s a laid‑back, lively spot that captures Salford’s creative character and encourages connection without formality.
Imperial War Museum (IWM) North
For events that demand impact, Imperial War Museum North delivers a truly distinctive setting. This iconic waterside building offers vast open gallery spaces that can be fully transformed for events of all sizes.
Floor‑to‑ceiling projections allow the venue to be immersed in brand colours, themes or bespoke content, creating unforgettable experiences from the moment guests arrive. With the capacity to host large‑scale dinners, receptions and conferences, IWM North guarantees a powerful and memorable delegate experience.
Holiday Inn
For effortless on-site access, the Holiday Inn offers comfort just steps from everything MediaCity and Salford Quays have to offer. With calming views across the waterfront campus and its own flexible event spaces, it’s a convenient, welcoming base that keeps your delegates close to the action, ideal for conferences, multi-day events and networking programmes.
University of Salford
Nearby, the University of Salford brings an academic edge to the destination with state-of-the-art media facilities, including a fully functioning newsroom, radio studios, podcast suites, green screens and cutting‑edge editing rooms. The vast media facilities, alongside flexible, modern lecture theatres, make it perfect for specialist workshops and breakout sessions.
ITV Studios
Then for something unforgettable, step onto the legendary Coronation Street set a ITV Studios.
Running for more than 70 years, this iconic soap opera comes to life with behind-the-scenes tours where delegates can walk the famous cobbles and explore one of Britain’s most cherished TV institutions, adding a uniquely Northern touch to any event itinerary.
Upcoming events
And if you’re intrigued to know what Manchester has coming up, here are just a few to give you a flavour.
The UK’s largest events‑industry show outside London, CHS, will launch on 30 September 2026, with the AO Arena becoming the new home for the flagship event. It brings together the former Leeds and Birmingham shows into one festival‑style supershow.
The new Radisson Blu hotel developed in partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, is set to open later this year. It marks a major milestone in the creation of Medlock Square, a growing entertainment destination offering a range of new experiences.
Manchester Town Hall, one of the UK’s largest heritage restoration projects, is due to reopen in spring 2027 following extensive work to preserve its Grade I‑listed architecture and enhance public access.
Manchester has been confirmed as a host city for UEFA EURO 2028, reinforcing its global reputation for delivering world‑class sporting events. Matches will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, supported by citywide cultural programming.
So, to recap, why Greater Manchester?
- A global media hub at MediaCity, home to world‑leading broadcasters and creative talent.
- Flexible, standout venues from broadcast studios to immersive exhibition spaces.
- Culture at the core, with Lowry, Coronation Street and iconic waterfront settings.
- Everything within easy reach, with venues, hotels and dining all walkable.
- Events with a story, rooted in creativity, connection and Manchester’s unique energy.
Creative, connected and fuelled by world-class media talent, Greater Manchester’s waterfront offers an events experience unlike anywhere else. From cutting-edge studios to sweeping waterfront views, cultural icons to immersive venues, this is a destination designed for ambitious ideas.
Bring your next event to Salford Quays and MediaCity, Greater Manchester where you’re not just choosing a venue – you’re stepping into the story of one of England’s most unexpected and innovative districts. Get in touch with their expert team to find out more.