The Association of Association Executives (AAE) has today revealed the venue for its annual Associations UK Congress, which will be held on December 14th and 15th 2017 at Manchester Central.
Located at the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Manchester Central is one of the leading conference and exhibition venues in the UK; its vaulted arches and station clock have made it an iconic city feature for more than 130 years.
Shaun Hinds, CEO of Manchester Central, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured such a high-profile event, which will allow us to showcase the very best of what Manchester Central – and the wider city – has to offer; and what makes it the venue and destination of choice for so many leading national and international associations. Manchester Central has built an outstanding reputation for delivering some truly fantastic events and Associations UK Congress will be no exception.”
As one of the largest multi-day gatherings of association executives to take place in the UK, the Associations UK Congress includes a variety of workshops and best-practice sessions, allowing executives to share solutions with their peers on the biggest industry challenges. A keynote speaker and panel discussions also return, ensuring delegates receive the best advice from association leaders and experts.
The Associations UK Congress features the sharing of Association Success Story case studies for the first time. A year-round initiative, the AAE’s Association Success Story Programme focuses on creating valuable content for associations, in the form of detailed case studies from their peer organisations on how they have developed or created new products, services and events for members.
For the second year running, the AAE’s UK Association Awards and Congress Dinner will form part of its UK Congress, this time being held in the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa. One of the largest hotels in the city, it is conveniently located a short tram journey away from Manchester Central.
Commenting on the announcement, Damian Hutt, Executive Director of the AAE, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting our annual Associations UK Congress in Manchester this year. Both venues have already gone above and beyond to ensure that the event will prove extremely popular with our members. Improving on last year’s event is a challenge that the AAE relishes; we are currently working on some exciting features that we will be announcing in due course.”
Places at the dinner are given free of charge to all candidates shortlisted for the awards and included in the Congress delegate package, bringing together speakers, delegates and suppliers to recognise their work in a celebration of associations’ achievements.
The AAE will be working closely with Blitz, Manchester Central’s preferred AV supplier, and Marketing Manchester in the run-up to and during Associations UK Congress 2017.
Blitz will deliver audio visual, staging and production support, while Marketing Manchester will provide a range of services, such as sharing local expertise and advice with Congress delegates to ensure they maximise their time in the city over the festive period.
