Arts at Contact Theatre

A stylish ground floor cabaret space with stage, AV, and lighting. Ideal for intimate performances.

From: £65 per person

Capacity: Up to 80 guests

Dining at voco Manchester City Centre

An intimate dining and celebration space with stunning skyline views in central Manchester.

From: £50 per person

Capacity: Up to 50 guests

Weddings at Oddfellows On The Park

Elegant event space with park views, private bar, and terrace in a historic, design-led venue.

From: £5000 per person

Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Business at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

A versatile meeting suite with natural light, ideal for events of up to 130 delegates in Manchester.

From: £30 per person

Capacity: Up to 150 guests

Business at The Bridgewater Hall

Modern, high-ceilinged room with large windows. Ideal for seminars, trainings, and business meetings.

From: £495 per person

Capacity: Up to 50 guests

Events at Mercure Manchester Norton Grange

From: £2250 per person

Capacity: Up to 90 guests

Arts at The Burgess Foundation

Historic mill space with exposed brick, high ceilings, and natural light. Ideal for arts events.

From: £180 per person

Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Business at Eleven Didsbury Park

A boutique hotel with lounges, bars, meeting rooms, and a Victorian walled garden. Ideal for events.

From: £200 per person

Capacity: Up to 100 guests

What room size is ideal for 50 delegates in Manchester?

Allow at least 1–1.5 sqm per person to ensure comfort and circulation. A 50-seat theatre layout can fit in 50 sqm, but for U-shape or classroom styles with tables plan for 60–75 sqm. Always confirm door widths and foyer space for registration.

Which AV packages are standard for Manchester conference venues?

Most conference venues include: one ceiling-mounted laser projector, 2-metre screen, PA system with 2 wireless microphones, lectern mic, and 100 Mbps Wi-Fi. For 50 delegates, these are usually within your DDR. Additional items (lapel mics, recording, video-conferencing) may cost an extra £150–£300.

Can I arrange breakout sessions for 50 delegates in Manchester venues?

Yes. Most venues offer 2–3 adjacent rooms of 20–30 sqm each, suitable for 5 groups of 10. Half-day hire for a breakout room costs around £100–£150. Ensure each space has screen or flipchart access; enquire about separate Wi-Fi access points to avoid bandwidth issues.

What deposit policies apply to Manchester conference bookings?

Most venues require a non-refundable deposit of 10–25% of estimated DDR cost upon booking. Final payment is due 4 weeks before the event. Cancellation within 30 days usually incurs 50% fee; within 14 days incurs 100% of the total cost.

Which areas of Manchester offer best transport links to central venues?

Spinningfields, Deansgate and Oxford Road are within 5 minutes’ walk of Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations. Metrolink trams link Airport, Altrincham and Bury lines; buses serve All Saints Park and Deansgate. Most venues advertise “5-minute walk” metrics on their websites.

What public transport options serve Manchester conference districts?

Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations offer National Rail services. Metrolink trams run every 7 minutes on all major lines. Central bus interchange at Shudehill connects to over 30 routes. On-site parking at venues starts from £10 per day; nearby NCP car parks cost £12–£15.

How much DDR should I budget for a 50-person conference in Manchester?

Day delegate rates in Manchester for 50 people typically range between £45 and £80 per person per day. Mid-tier venues average £55–£65 DDR including meeting space, two coffee breaks and a hot buffet lunch. Check for minimum spends (often £2,000–£3,000) and whether AV hire is included.

How early should I book a 50-seat conference room in Manchester?

For a midweek (Tues–Thurs) conference of 50 people, book 3–6 months in advance to secure peak dates and best rates. Popular months (April, May, September) often sell out 4–5 months ahead. Early booking also secures flexible seating plans and supplier availability.

Do Manchester conference venues require local licensing?

Standard conferences under 200 attendees fall under the venue’s existing entertainment licence—no extra licence needed. If you plan after-hours catering or live performances, venues typically apply for a temporary extension with Manchester Council. Always confirm with your venue manager.

Are weekend tariffs higher for conferences in Manchester?

Yes. Weekend (Sat–Sun) DDRs are typically 10–20% higher than midweek rates. For example, a venue charging £60 DDR during the week may rise to £70–£75 DDR at weekends. Always check weekend service availability, as some caterers charge a premium for staff.