Manchester attracts 40 major conferences in 2015, earning 92 mln USD

Manchester attracts 40 major conferences in 2015, earning 92 mln USD for local economy.

The events will attract 34,000 delegates to the northern England city, generating an estimated 92 million U.S. dollars for the city's economy.

Figures released Wednesday by the area's official promotion agency, Marketing Manchester, show business tourism to the region now generates over 1.2 billion dollars a year for the local economy and attracts some 4.9 million delegates to the city.

Many of this year's conferences are scientific based, appropriate given that the city currently holds the title of "European City of Science" in preparation for a showpiece event next year when Manchester will host the 2016 EuroScience Open Forum.

Marketing Manchester says life sciences will be a particular focus, with a host of national healthcare conferences taking place between February and May.

The Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management, Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, British Society for Rheumatology, and British Dental Association will together bring an estimated 5,000 delegates and an economic impact of more than 13 million dollars.

At an international level the first Manchester Surgical Week, which involves the amalgamation of meetings by the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA) and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI), will bring over 2,500 medical professions to the city from in April.

In June the emphasis will shift to advanced materials with the International Conference on Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Energy Applications (June 1-3) followed by the flagship Graphene Week 2015 (June 22-26). Together these meetings are expected to attract around 900 esteemed delegates.

Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at Marketing Manchester said: "With 18 national and 22 international conferences secured, Manchester's objective to target, and bid for, more association business through the 'team Manchester' partnership is proving very successful."

"The value of these conferences extends much further than simply the monetary value. Association meetings attract some of the world's leading minds to come together to discuss particular subjects, helping Manchester to become known for intellect and knowledge whilst boosting our key sectors," said Brooks-Sykes.

Another key meeting will be the Society for Ecological Restoration's 6th World Congress on Ecological Restoration, a five day meeting in August which will bring over 1,500 delegates to the city.