Manchester moves up conference rankings

MANCHESTER has strengthened its reputation as an international conference venue, with the city moving up seven places in the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) annual report.

The city moved up to 79th position in a table of 200 international destinations and maintained its fourth place spot in the UK after holding 26 ICCA-approved events in 2011. These included the International Chromosome Conference at University of Manchester, 14th European Microwave Conference at Manchester Central and International Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads & Tracks at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Each city that features in the report must comply with specific conditions, which state that meetings must be held on a regular basis, regularly rotate between at least three countries and that each meeting must attract a minimum of 50 delegates.  

Visit Manchester’s managing director Paul Simpson said: “Whilst a jump from 86th to 79th position may not look like much on paper, given the criteria that must be met in order to submit entries, a 24% increase in qualifying meetings is fantastic for the city and testament to the incredible conference facilities we have on offer.

“There have been major developments in Greater Manchester’s conference product over recent years, in terms of developing the infrastructure and support services that organisers expect of a first-rate conference destination and we’re confident that we can continue to improve in the ICCA rankings over the coming years.”