As an experienced venue finder we are regularly out and about updating our knowledge on venues all over the UK and the rest of the world.

Recently we visited the city of Manchester, it has been about a year since I visited the city and so much has changed in 12 months. This time we stayed at the recently renovated Marriott Victoria and Albert hotel it is located in the city centre on the banks of the River Irwell across from Granada Television Studios. The hotel has eight meeting rooms, the largest accommodating 250 delegates theatre style. All 148 bedrooms are furnished to a four star standard, have original beam work, exposed brick work and high speed internet access.

For larger events Manchester United Football Club and Lancaster Cricket Club are located just 10 mins by Metrolink from the hotel. The Metrolink is a great way to encourage your delegates to move around the city to really minimise your conferences’ carbon footprint it is also great value too.

Manchester United comfortably accommodates 1200 delegates theatre style whilst located a short walk from the football stadium at Lancaster Cricket Ground accommodates 400 delegates in their Tyldesley and County Suite. Both venues offer delegates a more unusual style of conference venue as more and more now in the venue finding department we are often tasked with sourcing a more unusual style of conference facility.

Manchester is definitely a fabulous city to host an event being hugely accessible by road, rail and air. It also has seen a number of new hotel openings in recent years including the City Inn Manchester, Hilton Manchester Deansgate and opening later this year Crowne Plaza Manchester Centre.

Writes Penny