News
3 is the magic number at Manchester Central
Published at 11:23 on 4th of February 2011
Following Manchester Central’s impressive £30 million redevelopment programme, which saw the addition of a new entrance and a 2000m2 extension, the venue is now able to host 3 separate events simultaneously.
The Museums Association ACE, the IHEEM Healthcare Estates exhibition and Brityrex exhibition were all held at Manchester Central from 4 – 6 October, putting the venue to the test for the first time, and the event organisers couldn’t have been happier with the results.
Brityrex held their event in Central Hall 2 using the new Central Foyer. Managing Director of show organisers ECI International, Paul Farrant, said: “We first held our event at Manchester Central in 2007 prior to the redevelopment. This is our second show at the venue and we were thrilled with the improvements made following the investment. The new Central Foyer is very impressive, and really lent itself well to our requirements. I think it is just what the complex needed. Plus it looks stunning, a great mix of old and new, we used the image in all our marketing material.”
IHEEM held their event in the new extension, Charter Rooms 6 – 8, and used the new Charter Foyer as their entrance. John Long from IHEEM said; “The Institute’s annual conference moved up a gear to take advantage of the excellent new facilities at Manchester Central. The new space in the Charter Suite was excellent; the rooms were flexible, the quality and ambiance were just right for our needs, and the site access superb. The Manchester Central team deserve full marks for arranging such a great venue – we are already looking forward to next year’s event”.
The Museum Associations Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE) completed the trio of events. The 3 day ACE is Europe’s largest gathering for the museum and gallery industry and was held in Manchester Central’s Exchange rooms, utilising the state of the art 804 seat auditorium, and the venue’s Exchange Foyer.
Commenting Mark Taylor, Director of the Museums Association, said; “Manchester Central has made some significant improvements to the venue over the last few years, and we are very impressed with the work they have done. The changes made it an easier and more comfortable experience for delegates, exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition. We were very pleased, it all ran very smoothly.”
Manchester Central’s ability to accommodate 3 separate events is owing to the addition of Charter Foyer, which was built during phase one of the venue’s £30 m redevelopment. The venue now has three separate entrances, allowing each event to have their own dedicated reception and registration desk.
Commenting, Paula Lorimer, Manchester Central’s Sales Director, said; “The last two years have been an extremely busy time at Manchester Central, but seeing the venue operate to its full capacity with three events running seamlessly side by side was a very proud moment for everyone involved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal clients who supported us during our refurbishment.”