Exhibiting at Manchester Central
Manchester Central Convention Complex – known more commonly as Manchester Central – is located in the heart of Manchester city centre and is one of the North West’s premier exhibition and event venues.
With versatile spaces to host various events, including exhibitions, concerts, TV shows, and even political party conferences, it’s an extremely popular exhibition destination for event organisers, hosts, exhibitors, and visitors. In fact, it’s got 4* from 245 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked #37 out of 307 things to do in Manchester.
Manchester Central from an exhibition stand company’s perspective
About Manchester Central
Manchester Central started life as a railway terminal but was saved from demolition and turned into a buzzing events venue.
Over the years, it’s adapted to keep up with what visitors want, and despite its history, it’s anything but outdated. The building is modern, clean, and fully equipped with everything you could possibly need for a successful exhibition or event.
Inside, you’ll find a main exhibition hall and over 23,000m² of flexible space, including seminar and conference rooms and business suites. It can host up to 10,000 visitors at a time and attracts almost 500,000 people a year through more than 155 events.
Getting there is easy, too. It’s well-connected by road, rail, and tram – the tram stop is right outside and has frequent services. Manchester Airport is just nine miles away, offering flights to over 200 destinations, including direct routes to nine US cities.
The venue sits in a lively part of Manchester, with many bars, restaurants (including Michelin-starred options), shops, and more than 2,500 hotel rooms, all within a five-minute walk.
If you fancy something special, check out the Stock Exchange Hotel, just an 11-minute walk away: the highlight is a restaurant by chef Tom Kerridge on the old trading floor.
Sign up for our newsletter for more insider exhibition secrets.
10,000
visitor capacity
500,000
visitors annually
155+
events every year
Exhibition stands we build at Manchester Central
Manchester Central hosts many prestigious events, and the stand options are almost limitless!
Here’s an insight into the kind of exhibition stands we build at the venue and that could work for you too.
Amgen, Bespoke Exhibition Stand
Zeo Heat Networks, Modular Exhibition Stand
HEXR, Shell Scheme Exhibition Stand
Shell schemes are usually a very cost-effective way to exhibit.
But great value doesn’t mean you have to compromise on design! With the right approach, a shell scheme stand can be an incredibly flexible, visually effective, lead-generating investment – and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
This option is well worth considering, as booking floor space at Manchester Central is cost-effective compared to other halls, making it the ideal location for your first exhibition.
Renovation Underwriting, Space-only Exhibition Stand
Spoilt for choice with Manchester Central space options?
Expert insights from the Motive Exhibition team: pros and cons of the Manchester Central Convention Complex
Pro’s
- Booking space here is a cost-effective alternative to the pricier London or Birmingham venues.
- There’s lots of flexible space available, with the room (and height!) to be as creative as you like.
- Its transport links are excellent, and the city is a desirable alternative to London.
- There are thousands of hotel rooms within a few minutes’ walk.
- The on-site concierge team can assist with restaurant bookings, local excursions and flight confirmations.
- The extensive on-site support includes catering, rigging, audiovisual equipment support, maintenance – and everything in between!
- The venue recently upgraded its Wi-Fi and hardwired internet services to provide guests, delegates, and exhibitors with fast, reliable connections.
- There’s an array of on-site restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and bars.
- The venue’s management team is committed to a sustainability strategy for exhibitions and events.
- The traffic system to get contractors on site is excellent.
- The main hall isn’t huge, so you’ve never got far to walk (a big bonus if you’re lugging heavy bags in!).
Cons
With Manchester Central being such a modern venue, there aren’t many cons, but there are a few things related to its location you’ll need to consider before booking a show space here.
- Food and drink at the venue are expensive to buy, but there are good alternatives within walking distance.
- It is a smaller venue than some in London or Birmingham, so you’ll need to book early to avoid disappointment.
- Space for stand builders is limited. The loading bays are small and in high demand.
- The nearest car park is an NCP below the venue. It’s expensive, with mixed reviews!
- If you don’t get a parking spot in the service area on breakdown day, you or your contractor will have to carry your stand back to the designated open-air car park (which is a 10-minute walk away!)
Manchester Central is perfect for businesses outside of the UK looking to exhibit in the country, or a brand with an international client base wanting to attend an event in a compact and interesting city.”
“The main exhibition hall isn’t huge, so if the show attendance is good and your target customer is there, then you’ll have less competition and more eyeballs on your brand.”
“Plus, the venue staff are very organised, friendly and accommodating for both exhibitors and their visitors.”
Dave Hennessy, Director, Motive Exhibitions
we’d love to hear from you
Simply fill in the below, and we will be in touch
FAQs
Our company isn’t from the UK. Can you build a stand for us for an exhibition at Manchester Central?
Absolutely! We’ve built custom exhibition stands for companies from all over Europe that have attended events at Manchester Central.
If you’re bringing anything with you, we can also help you get show kit in and out of the country.
Can you park at Manchester Central?
There is an NCP below Manchester Central. It has 700 spaces and is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
However, it is expensive and has very mixed reviews! You also need to book ahead to secure a space.
There are other car parks in Manchester that we would recommend you use over this one.
If we work with you, can you take our supplies to Manchester Central?
If you choose to work with us, we’ll transport everything you need to the exhibition hall – all you need to do is drop it off with us a few days before so it can travel with your exhibition stand.
If you’re travelling by train, the last thing you want to do is take a load of brochures, iPads and products with you, so we organise your exhibition booth logistics as part of a project price. All you need to take is your suitcase!
Is Manchester Central accessible for disabled visitors?
Manchester Central provides maximum accessibility for all events, including full accessibility to wheelchair users and two step-free train platforms.
The venue also features Induction Loop facilities, and a Deaf Alerter® fire warning system has been installed throughout the building.
Full information about accessibility at Manchester Central is available on the venue’s website.
Is Manchester Central the same as GMEX?
Yes! The Greater Manchester Exhibition and Event Centre (GMEX) opened in the mid-1980s. In 2007 GMEX and MICC were rebranded as Manchester Central Convention Complex when the exhibition had a multi-million pound overhaul.
For a stress-free exhibition, get our best tips direct to your inbox
Motive Exhibitions, 3 Orion Court, Ambuscade Road, Colmworth Business Park, Eaton Socon, St. Neots, PE19 8YX
