CIH chooses Manchester for conference
The Chartered Institute of Housing has signed a contract to hold its annual conference and housing exhibition at the Manchester Central convention complex for two years.
CIH will be moving its event from Harrogate International Centre, where it is holding this year's conference and exhibition from 21 June.
CIH will take its first residency at Manchester Central on 12, 13 and 14 June 2012 and has confirmed a return in June 2013. Negotiations are still taking place on whether the event will be regularly appearing in the city.
The Chartered Institute of Housing exhibition will be held in the venue's Central Hall, with around 250 exhibitors showcasing their products.
The conference will be held in Manchester Central's purpose built auditorium, which has seating for 804 delegates.
A series of break out rooms, situated across the venue, will provide the setting for smaller speaking events, discussion groups, and seminars.
Sarah Webb, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: "The CIH annual conference and exhibition is the flagship event in the UK housing calendar. It provides a unique opportunity for the whole of the housing sector – public, private and non-profit – to come together in one place to learn, improve and influence.
"Moving to Manchester will enable us to provide a better conference and exhibition, make the most of the state of the art facilities at Manchester Central and provide improved access and accommodation for exhibitors, delegates and visitors.
"I'm delighted and excited that CIH has been able to work with Ocean Media Group and make this long-term commitment and investment for the whole housing sector."
Visit Manchester, the official tourist board for the city and Greater Manchester, said the three-day conference and exhibition is expected to bring an estimated 4,500 delegates to Manchester, generating an estimated £2m in economic impact each year that it is in the city.
Paula Lorimer, sales and marketing director at Manchester Central, added: "We have worked extensively with CIH and Ocean Media Group over the last three years to develop the move to Manchester and I am sure it is the right one."
