Conservative Party Conference returns to Manchester

The Conservative Party Conference returns to Manchester this weekend, building on the city’s growing reputation as an international conference destination.

Final preparations are underway for the conference, to be held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex from Sunday October 2 until Wednesday October 5.

Manchester has been ranked one of the world's most successful conference destinations, boasting sophisticated infrastructure to support major UK and international conferences and meetings.

The conference sector is worth more than £570m to Manchester's economy each year. It is estimated that this year's conference will generate £27.4m for the city's economy.

It is the second time the Conservatives have held their conference in Manchester, the last time being in 2009.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester has firmly established itself as a major conference destination for the two main political parties and we're pleased that the Conservatives have chosen to return to our great city. It gives a major boost to the city in both financial and reputational terms. We're on show to the world - and we don't disappoint.

" For the four days of the conference we will be welcoming thousands of delegates to the city from all over the country. The feedback we received from 2009 was that it was a resounding success and the delegates were given a warm Manchester welcome. I've no doubt that will be repeated this year and am sure they will have a successful conference. In addition, I hope they get a chance to sample some of the cultural facilities, bars, shops and restaurants that we have on offer here in Manchester."

Baroness Warsi, Conservative Party Co-Chairman said: "I am very pleased that the Conservative Party is returning to Manchester for its conference. I was very impressed with Manchester as a host city, and particularly Manchester Central as a conference venue, when we first came in 2009. Manchester rightly deserves its reputation as a first-class conference destination."

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "As a force, Greater Manchester Police has vast experience in successfully policing large-scale events, and this is the fifth political conference it has had to police. Our focus is on the prevention of crime and to provide a safe and secure environment for the Conservative party delegates, visitors, residents and businesses of Manchester.

"We have been planning extensively for the past 12 months to ensure that security is of the highest level without infringing upon a delegate⿿s ability to enjoy the conference and relax during their stay. We also want to minimise any disruption to residents and users of the city centre. The high level of security is normal in policing an event of such scale. GMP has implemented a high-profile, robust policing operation and nothing has been left to chance."

Dr Brian Sloan, chief economist at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "Hosting the conference will be a great boost to Manchester's economy. It will bring thousands of delegates and commentators into the city for around 500 fringe events in addition to the main conference. Many delegates will stay in our hotels and spend money in our shops and restaurants. However the conference doesn't just benefit the events and hospitality sectors, but also a whole range of businesses from transport and logistics to marketing and entertainment providers.

 "Conferencing in Manchester is a key part of the area's business tourism offering and hosting a national political conference helps keep the city's profile high both nationally and internationally. Time after time Manchester demonstrates its ability to host major events, therefore attracting other leading organisations to hold their events here."

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: "We have worked closely with the Conservative Party to ensure their event is a great success. The city's delivery of political party conferences is first class and one of Manchester's biggest success stories of the decade. In addition to the £27.4m economic impact, the conference will showcase Manchester to the world and will create 13,000 new ambassadors for the city."

Angie Robinson, chief executive of Manchester Central said: "Party conferences are always an exciting time for the team at Manchester Central, and are hugely significant for the city as a whole. As we have seen Manchester is now firmly positioned as the destination of choice for high profile political events and this says a lot about the venue, the services we provide, the attraction of the city and the warm welcome which visitors always receive in Manchester."