UKinbound has confirmed it will host its next Annual Convention in Greater Manchester in 2026.
For the last four years, the convention has taken place in September, but from next year onwards it will be held in February, it said.
The event historically took place each February until 2021, when Covid restrictions put a pause on all events.
Moving the event to earlier in the year will provide attendees with greater networking and business development opportunities, as February is a more accessible month for businesses to attend events, said UKinbound.
To bridge the gap between the last convention in September 2024 and next February, a one-day B2B workshop and networking event will be held this September, with the date and venue yet to be confirmed.
More than 400 delegates are expected to attend the 2026 convention, on 25 to 26 February, which will include a keynote speaker address, industry insights and forecasts, B2B workshops and an evening networking dinner and award ceremony.
Working in collaboration with Marketing Manchester, UKinbound will also coordinate a range of familiarisation trips for delegates, allowing them to experience the tourism offering of both the city and the surrounding region.
The event will be held at a number of different venues across the Greater Manchester area, which have still to be confirmed.
UKinbound CEO Joss Croft said: “We are really excited that Greater Manchester will be the host destination for our Annual Convention in 2026.
“The city presented an impressive bid, that not only highlighted their exceptional track record of hosting events, but also a real passion for collaborating with the travel trade and desire to further grow international visitor numbers.
“I am confident that this partnership will result in an exceptional and valuable event, and we look forward to showcasing what Greater Manchester has to offer, to our delegates.”
As the convention will be taking place during the winter, delegates will also have the opportunity to see attractions and product that is available to international visitors all year round, giving them the insight to sell trips to the city at all times of the year, it added.
