On the 16 -17 July 2025, Manchester proudly hosted the UK Space Conference, the UK’s flagship event for the space sector. The conference brings together industry experts, policymakers, researchers, and global stakeholders to shape the future of space innovation, policy, and opportunity. Its arrival in the city-region is not just a win for Manchester’s science and innovation sectors, it is a significant opportunity for the city’s hospitality, accommodation, and tourism industries to thrive. The event provided a unique platform to showcase Manchester’s capacity to host world-class academic conferences on the world stage.
The Conference at a Glance
- Dates: 16 – 17 July 2025
- Venue: Manchester Central Convention Complex
- Total Delegates: 2000+
- Total Economic Impact: £2 million
The UK Space conference brought thousands of delegates from across the UK and around the world, filling hotels, serviced apartments, and hospitality venues across Manchester. For local businesses, universities, and innovators, it was a rare chance to connect directly with an £18.9 billion sector that is growing fast and looking for new skills, facilities, and ideas, many of which are already flourishing here in the North West.
The buzz of the conference was felt right across the city. Restaurants, hotels, cafes, and cultural spaces saw a noticeable boost as the 2000+ delegates roamed the city over their down time. Across the week, the conference offered a packed programme of keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, and workshops, all focusing on the future of space innovation. Manchester received glowing feedback as a host city, not just for the event itself, but for the welcoming experience delegates enjoyed. Visitors explored the city’s cultural scene, its history, and its vibrant nightlife.
Alongside the main event held at Manchester Central, there was a wide range of outreach and fringe activities designed to bring the excitement of space to the wider community and next generation. A standout was the visit of ESA astronaut John McFall to Jodrell Bank, where he hosted an inspiring evening talk under the iconic Lovell Telescope as part of the Lovell lecture series. Over the week, schools from across the region visited both Jodrell Bank and the conference, getting hands-on with space science thanks to experts and University of Manchester staff, all in an effort to expose the next generation to the world of space science.
None of this would be possible without the support of the Manchester Accommodation BID. The funding it provides, raised directly from levy payments by hotels and accommodation providers, is essential for securing major events like the UK Space Conference. It is a real partnership. Every levy payer is helping to bring more visitors, more business, and more opportunities to Manchester.
Kumar Mishra, Chair of Manchester Accommodation BID:
‘This conference is exactly the type of event the Accommodation BID was designed to support. The impact on hotels, restaurants, venues and the wider city region has been significant, and it demonstrates what we can achieve when we invest in Manchester’s global appeal’