CityConversation – Manchester as an International City

CityCo is delighted to welcome an expert panel of speakers to debate how Manchester is competing on the international stage. How are we are raising the international profile of the city as a leading cultural, academic and commercial destination?

Our panel will highlight emerging developments and initiatives in Manchester that are helping to attract attention and investment, whilst looking at how we might be inspired by other great world cities.

Our speakers:

The conversation will be chaired by Iwan Griffiths, Chairman of Marketing Manchester and PwC in the North West.

John Brooks, Vice-Chancellor, Manchester Metropolitan University, has been a force for great change and modernisation over the last decade at MMU. He will focus on the impact that world class teaching and research facilities, and a diverse student body, has in shaping a progressive and innovative modern city.

Elizabeth Faulkner, Marketing & Communications Director, Manchester Central joins us to provide an insight into how this award-winning venue is responsible for attracting so many large scale international conferences to Manchester, and what it takes to host some of the world's leading events.

Jim Forrester, Executive Director, Manchester International Festival will highlight how by creating a biennial festival of artist-led world premieres, the city is being recognised for its boldness of thinking and innovation. Jim will discuss what makes MIF so compelling and how the festival is delivering returns in terms of reputation and economic benefit.

Baron Frankal, Director of Strategy, Manchester Airports Group is a recognised expert and commentator on the Manchester economy. Baron managed the Manchester Independent Economic Review and set up the Manchester-China Forum, and will discuss how the city can achieve a growing economy in order to be globally competitive.

Schedule:

8.00am – Welcome refreshments

8.30am – Iwan Griffiths introduction followed by speaker presentations

9.30am – Q&A

10.00am – Finish

If you are interested in attending please contact Rachel.Brydon@cityco.com