Greater Manchester’s meeting, conference and events sector has reached a major landmark, now generating more than £1 billion for the local economy, according to newly released research.
At the heart of this growth are core business events such as conferences and conventions, which contributed £917 million in economic value and supported 31,600 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the region. When the rising trend of “leisure extenders” – delegates who add extra days to their stay – is included, the total value of the sector moves decisively beyond the £1bn mark, creating an additional 2,600 jobs.
The research, commissioned by Marketing Manchester, highlights how leisure extensions alone generated £87.5 million in extra spend. This resulted in 545,000 additional bed nights, with visitors boosting the wider economy through spending on accommodation, food and drink, culture, and experiences.
Compared with the previous study in 2017, the sector has seen strong growth driven by international business events. Greater Manchester is increasingly attracting high-value conferences and global associations, which are more likely to lead to longer stays and repeat visits.
In 2024, the city region hosted 51,500 conference and business events, welcoming 3.9 million delegates. This activity delivered significant direct spend at venues through room hire, accommodation and catering, while also supporting local businesses through increased spending on dining, retail, entertainment and transport across the destination.
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said the findings underline the strategic importance of business events to the region’s economy. She noted that the growth in international association events and delegate spend demonstrates Greater Manchester’s rising global competitiveness and its ability to secure large-scale international gatherings.
She added that the strength of the region’s venue offer plays a crucial role in both attracting events and delivering memorable delegate experiences. Crucially, Greater Manchester’s appeal extends well beyond the conference hall, with its cultural and tourism offer encouraging business visitors to return as leisure travellers.
Attracting and delivering major events is a central ambition of the Greater Manchester Strategy for the Visitor Economy 2025–2030, supporting mid-week economic growth and reinforcing the city region’s reputation as a place where great minds meet and major conferences drive long-term prosperity.
