Manchester continues to cement its reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for conferences, meetings and corporate events. Alongside its established conference centres and hotels, 2026 has seen a number of exciting new openings, major refurbishments and redeveloped event spaces that are giving organisers even more choice.

Whether you’re planning a conference, exhibition, product launch, awards dinner or networking event, these are ten of the most exciting venues to consider in Manchester this year.

1. Soho House Manchester

One of Manchester’s most anticipated openings, Soho House has transformed the former Granada Studios site into an exclusive members’ club featuring stylish private event spaces, restaurants, bars and rooftop terraces.

While not designed for large conferences, it offers an exceptional setting for executive meetings, client entertainment, networking events and private dining.

Ideal for:

• Executive meetings
• Client entertaining
• Product launches
• Networking receptions
• Private dining

2. Science and Industry Museum – Newly Refurbished Conference Centre

Following a significant refurbishment, the Science and Industry Museum has reopened its Conference Centre with upgraded meeting facilities, enhanced technology and flexible event spaces.

Blending historic industrial architecture with modern conference facilities, it provides an inspiring setting for conferences, seminars and corporate events of all sizes.

Ideal for:

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Awards dinners
• Exhibitions
• Hybrid events

3. Campfield House

The beautifully restored Campfield development has become one of Manchester’s newest event destinations. Its impressive glass-roofed hall and contemporary meeting facilities create a versatile venue suitable for everything from conferences to exhibitions.

The combination of heritage architecture and modern event infrastructure makes it particularly attractive for organisations looking for something memorable.

Ideal for:

• Conferences
• Product launches
• Networking events
• Exhibitions
• Corporate receptions

4. Foundry Studios

Foundry Studios offers one of Manchester’s newest blank canvas event spaces, providing organisers with complete flexibility to create bespoke corporate events.

Its industrial-inspired design and adaptable layouts make it suitable for conferences, exhibitions, awards ceremonies and brand activations.

Ideal for:

• Conferences
• Exhibitions
• Product launches
• Awards dinners
• Corporate events

5. Studio East, Salford Quays

Purpose-built with hybrid events in mind, Studio East combines professional broadcast facilities with flexible conference space.

The venue is ideal for organisations looking to combine live audiences with virtual delegates, offering broadcast-quality production alongside presentation facilities.

Ideal for:

• Hybrid conferences
• Live streaming
• Corporate presentations
• Product launches
• Broadcast events

6. Canvas Collective, Ancoats

Located in one of Manchester’s most creative districts, Canvas Collective provides a modern, flexible environment for collaborative business events.

Its contemporary interiors are particularly well suited to workshops, strategy sessions, innovation events and smaller conferences.

Ideal for:

• Workshops
• Strategy days
• Training
• Networking
• Creative conferences

7. Co-op Live Premium Event Spaces

As one of the UK’s newest entertainment arenas, Co-op Live also offers an impressive collection of premium hospitality lounges and private event spaces available for corporate hire.

These versatile spaces provide an exciting alternative for conferences, awards ceremonies, hospitality events and large-scale networking functions.

Ideal for:

• Conferences
• Awards dinners
• Hospitality
• Networking events
• Corporate receptions

8. Manchester Central – Refreshed Event Facilities

Already recognised as one of the UK’s leading conference venues, Manchester Central continues to invest in its facilities, with upgraded meeting rooms, enhanced technology and improved delegate spaces making it an even stronger choice for 2026.

Its central location and outstanding capacity make it suitable for everything from executive meetings to international conferences.

Ideal for:

• Large conferences
• Exhibitions
• Trade shows
• Annual meetings
• Corporate events

9. Chotto Matte Manchester

Bringing its distinctive Nikkei dining concept to Manchester, Chotto Matte offers an exciting venue for corporate hospitality and evening events.

The dramatic interiors and private dining options make it ideal for entertaining clients or rewarding teams after a conference or exhibition.

Ideal for:

• Client dinners
• Corporate hospitality
• Networking
• Team celebrations
• Private dining

10. The Depot, Castlefield

The Depot combines generous open-plan space with Manchester’s industrial heritage to create a highly adaptable venue for corporate events.

Its flexible layout allows organisers to create bespoke conferences, exhibitions and product launches while retaining a contemporary warehouse aesthetic.

Ideal for:

• Conferences
• Exhibitions
• Product launches
• Corporate parties
• Awards ceremonies

Why Manchester Continues to Lead for Corporate Events

Manchester offers one of the UK’s strongest combinations of accessibility, venue choice and value for money.

The city boasts excellent rail and air connections, thousands of hotel bedrooms, a thriving restaurant scene and an ever-growing selection of conference venues, historic buildings, blank canvas spaces and unique event locations.

With continued investment across the city, Manchester is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to London for conferences, meetings and corporate events.

Need Help Finding the Right Manchester Venue?

With so many exciting venues opening and evolving, choosing the right one can quickly become overwhelming.

Function Fixers takes the hard work out of venue sourcing with our free venue finding service. Simply send us your brief and we’ll recommend venues that match your objectives, budget, delegate numbers and preferred location.

We’ll shortlist suitable venues, check availability, negotiate the best rates and help you secure the perfect space – saving you hours of research and ensuring your event gets off to the best possible start.

Looking for a conference venue in Manchester? Contact Function Fixers today and let our venue experts do the searching for you.

About the Author

Carrie Larwood is Managing Director of Function Fixers and has over 30 years’ experience helping organisations source conference venues, meeting spaces and corporate event locations throughout London and the UK.