The Best Networking Venues in Manchester

Manchester is a fantastic location for hosting networking events. The city has a long history of innovation and engineering, combined with a thriving business community. With the additional advantage of being close to major transport links, it's no surprise that Manchester is an ideal place to host your next networking event.

If you're planning to arrange a networking event in Manchester, then you'll want to make sure it's memorable. Guests will want good facilities, and most importantly, a good venue. The right venue can make all the difference between an average event and one which your guests won't forget.

How to make a networking event memorable 

Networking events are a crucial part of any business. They're an opportunity to meet potential investors, customers, clients and employees. The success of your event largely depends on the venue you choose.

If you want people to remember your event, it's important to find a unique venue that will make an impression. Not only should it be in a convenient location but it should also offer features that will make guests feel comfortable and entertained.

In addition to choosing the right venue, you'll also need to plan your guest list carefully. For example, if you're hosting a networking event for investors, you'll want to make sure that your guest list is filled with people who have the financial power to invest in your business.

What to look for in a networking venue

It may not be the first thing on your mind when you're organising a networking event, but if you want to create one that's memorable for all the right reasons, it's important to give some thought to the venue.

It can become a focal point for many aspects of your event, from the kind of people who attend to how your event is publicised.

The type of venue and location you choose will depend on what you want to achieve with your networking event. A unique or unusual venue can help make your event stand out from the crowd, while a blank canvas venue can allow you to create a space that matches the atmosphere you're looking to communicate.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a venue:

Venue capacity – This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing a venue, especially if you're expecting hundreds of people at your networking event. Make sure you have enough room for everyone and that there are sufficient facilities such as toilets and cloakrooms available.

Location – If you're planning a big networking event, it's important that your guests know where they're going and how they can get there easily, by car or public transport. It's worth checking whether there is parking available nearby or whether there is a bus stop nearby for guests arriving with public transport. 

Amenities – Don't waste your time looking at venues that don't even have the amenities you need. If you need screens for presentations or breakout spaces, double-check before booking that the venue you're looking at has all of those things. Also remember to have a look at accessibility, making sure you pick an inclusive venue. 

Our favourite venues for networking in Manchester

Manchester is perhaps the most exciting city in the UK right now. It’s certainly one of the fastest growing. 

For networking events, our three favourite venues in Manchester are Namii Kitchen & Cocktails, Whitworth Locke, and Huckletree Manchester. Whether you're planning a small meeting or a large conference, these venues are all ideal for business events and will help you make the right impression on your guests.

Namii Kitchen & Cocktails has some great food and drinks options to accompany your networking event. It has a great atmosphere with a large amount of seating for small or large groups alike. It also has a great location with historical buildings surrounding it providing an interesting backdrop to your event.

Whitworth Locke is located in the heart of Manchester and offers excellent flexibility for your purposes. There are private spaces available for your group and a larger space for larger groups or mixed groups if needed. They have excellent wifi and workspace available for all attendees and can cater according to your needs including vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets.

Huckletree Manchester is one of the most unique co-working spaces in the city. With flexible workspaces available for hire as well. It’s ideal for startups and other creative businesses looking to communicate a fun and creative yet professional atmosphere.

How to book a venue

When it’s time to start looking for your venue we’ve got all the tools you need. Start with browsing all the options here and shortlist everything you see that you like by simply hitting the heart icon. Then you can head over to your shortlist and send out all enquiries at the same time, that way you don’t waste any valuable time in the process. When you start getting responses you easily compare them to find the best alternative for you. 

If you’re looking for help with your next corporate event you can always get in touch with our concierge team. They’ll help you with the entire process of finding a venue and can also assist with sourcing catering and entertainment for you. That way the entire process of planning your event is so simple you could do it in your sleep.

If you want help we’re always available at [email protected] and if you want to have a look at some other venue types you can check out restaurant venues in Manchester or conference venues in Manchester.