Before You Book Any More Corporate Events in Manchester, Read This

Do you book conferences, training days, Christmas parties, team building or other types of corporate events in Manchester? 

If the answer is yes, you’ll know the shortlist keeps growing. Well, Manchester doesn't do things by halves. And it’s events scene keeps on and on expanding.

Already in 2026 there’s:

·       New hotels

·       A golf simulator with full bar

·       A rebrand shedding its superhero alter ego for period glamour

·       A five-star riverside icon celebrating 25 years of the best conferences and events in Manchester

All on top of the hardy perennials we’ve already spotlit in a previous article Thinking About Corporate Events in Manchester? Check Out My Recommendations, which are well worth tracking back on.

This time, we’re looking at what's new in Manchester, and why these Manchester conference venues and pleasure domes deserve to be on every self-respecting organiser’s radar.

Go Big on Bedrooms at Aloft

Aloft by Marriott landed on in June 2026, ranking as the brand's largest hotel in Europe.

It’s bold and social, in keeping with Aloft’s reputation amongst design-conscious travellers who want more than a bed for the night.

What it brings to the city:

·        358 rooms on Deansgate with skyline views

·        Steps from the Metrolink

·        Close to the Convention Quarter

·        No dedicated event space on site, but a strong choice for delegate accommodation at association and corporate events in Manchester

Fly High at Dakota Hotel Manchester Airport

Dakota opened its new airport hotel in July 2026, minutes from every terminal. It’s boutique, atmospheric and ideal for travellers when standard fayre on the hoof and isn’t an option.

Think:

·        154 rooms with rainfall showers and smart TVs

·        Dakota Grill, cocktail bar and cigar terrace

·        Useful for VIP delegate stays tied to airport adjacent events

Celebrate Premium Events in Manchester as the Lowry Hotel Turns 25

The Lowry partied like it’s 1999 in honour of its 25th year on the Manchester riverside in April 2026. Yet its five-star reputation for leading Manchester meeting rooms hire shows no sign of ageing.

You can still rely on:

·        165 bedrooms, two-AA-Rosette River Restaurant and RE:TREAT spa

·        Dedicated events floor, for everything from Manchester training venue hire to team building events

·        The Grand Ballroom remains unrivalled as one of the glitziest Manchester Christmas party venues

·        Overall event capacity from 10 up to 600 guests

Meet at Mollie’s

Mollie's has taken over part of the old Granada Studios building. It was a long time coming and one of the most hotly anticipated new hotels in Manchester in 2026, complete with 128 rooms, a diner and a swish cocktail bar.

In terms of corporate events in Manchester, think:

·        Private dining and meeting rooms for smaller groups

·        Larger spaces for to 170 seated guests for exclusive takeovers

·        Chi chi bedrooms with GHD stylers, Dyson dryers and Cowshed toiletries

Tee Off the Team Building at Pitch Manchester

Pitch offers 10,000 sq ft of golf, food and drink under one roof, securing its place alongside existing team building venues in Manchester.

Prepare to play around with:

·       Ten Trackman golf bays plus shuffleboard tables

·       Bar and kitchen on site

·       Full exclusive hire available for corporate events

Luxuriate in the Finer Things at The Rex, Formerly Hotel Gotham

Hotel Gotham rebranded as The Rex in April 2026, joining Leonardo Hotels’ Limited Edition luxury collection.

Rediscover:

·        60 bedrooms with a refreshed bar and restaurant interiors

·        Seventh floor private members' club Reserve, plus a selection of other unique event spaces for Manchester meetings and soirees for 10 to 150 guests

·        AA Rosette kitchen and cocktail menus for bespoke event catering

Save Yourself the Scroll

Six very different venues… and this list only covers what people are talking and opinion forming about in Manchester this year.

At the Venue Hunters, our Manchester venue finding service is FREE for corporate bookers.

We familiarise ourselves with these venues personally and track new openings as they happen.

In addition, our bulk buying power can mean better rates than booking direct.

Get in touch and tell us about your forthcoming conferences, meetings and events in Manchester. We'll:

·       Make the calls

·       Chase the quotes

·       Haggle on price

·       Present you with a shortlist you’ll go gaga over

·       Gift you hours back in your week