Who we are

Award-winning venue

Manchester Central Convention Complex is an award-winning conference and exhibition venue, in the heart of the city of Manchester.

Formerly known as G Mex and the Manchester International  Conference Centre, it was re-branded in 2007 to bring together the entire site under one brand.

Over the last decade, Manchester Central has established itself as a leading convention complex and it is now recognised as the premier venue in the UK for political conferences. The versatile venue is capable of hosting a wide range of events, with a flexibility in terms of space that is the envy of other event venues.

Since the venue opened its doors in 1986 Manchester Central has been recognised with numerous awards in various categories including architecture and design, branding and business tourism.

The venue’s first awards came following its conversion from a disused railway station into an Exhibition Centre, one of the UK’s first urban regeneration projects. It was awarded several design and industry awards including the Civic Trust Award in 1987.

Since it opened 1986 the venue has become an integral part of the cultural, civic and corporate life of Manchester, attracting a series of major events to the city and generating significant economic impact for the region. It was these achievements that saw the venue receive the first ever Excellence in Business Tourism Award at the 2007 North West Tourism Awards.

Following the presentation of this award Sarah Woodford, Manager of Meet England at Visit Britain, said: “Manchester Central Convention Complex is a regional flagship facility boasting outstanding facilities and hugely impressive event spaces. The judges were impressed by their innovative marketing and a clear dedication to providing access for all.”

Following the North West Tourism Award, more silverware was to follow in 2008 when Manchester Central walked away with Silver in the prestigious Business Tourism Category at the national ‘Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2008’.

These awards once again highlighted Manchester Central as one of the top exhibition and convention venues in the country.

Commenting at the time, Lesley Tomlinson, Chief Executive of Manchester Central, said; "I am delighted for my whole team at Manchester Central, who, with the support of the City, have worked tirelessly for the last 2 years to position the venue as a premier business destination. Awards such as this prove that our focus on putting the customer and visitor at the heart of our delivery has been welcomed.”

Most recently Manchester Central has been recognised for one of its most significant changes since it opened, its re-brand from the GMEX and MICC to Manchester Central Convention Complex. In March 2009 the venue was short listed for the prestigious Drum Marketing Awards for the re-brand, and has also been short listed for a DBA Designed Effectiveness award, two excellent commendations from the design and marketing industry.