Manchester goes Green after clinching political party’s Autumn Conference
The Green Party will host its Autumn Conference in Manchester when it takes up residence in Manchester Central for three days in September.
The party quadrupled its number of parliamentary seats in the recent General Election.
The conference has been secured through a partnership approach between Marketing Manchester which led the bidding process, Manchester Central as the host venue, and the recently formed Manchester Accommodation BID which manages Manchester’s £1 city visitor charge on overnight accommodation stays.
The Green Party Conference will bring up to 1,200 delegates and the conference is estimated to be worth approximately £1.7m in economic impact for the city.
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “This event represents a fantastic opportunity for our city and underscores Manchester’s role as a key player in political discourse and showcases our capabilities as a premier conference destination.
“Furthermore, it aligns with Greater Manchester’s ambitions to be a fairer, greener, and more equal region, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, social equity, and leadership in shaping a progressive future.”
The conference marks the first time The Green Party hosts its conference in Manchester, following previous host locations such as Brighton (2023), Harrogate (2022), and Birmingham (2021).
Mary Clegg, Chief Executive of the Green Party, said: “As a city with deep progressive roots, Manchester provides the perfect backdrop for the Green Party’s message of ‘Real hope, real change’ which we will be celebrating in September with our four new MPs and our rapidly growing membership.”
Support from the Manchester Accommodation BID was crucial in securing the conference for Manchester.
The Accommodation BID receives and manages funds derived from the £1 charge levied on guests visiting Manchester overnight, using the funds to create and attract events and activities that bring more people to visit and stay.
Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID, said: “Hosting the Green Party Autumn Conference in Manchester is a testament to the strategic use of Accommodation BID funds. Conferences like this are vital to our city, not only for the immediate economic benefits they bring, but also for the role they play in attracting guests for overnight stays.
“These events boost our economy, support jobs in the hospitality sector, and solidify Manchester’s reputation as a vibrant, must-visit destination that has the infrastructure, attractions, and hospitality that can support events of this scale.”
The Green Party Autumn Conference will take place on September 6-8, 2024.
