24.10 - Manchester Central reports record turnover; First Event expands leadership team
Welcome back to 'In the Loop'!
In this edition, we explore the latest developments in the events industry, including Manchester Central’s record-breaking turnover of £27.2m, driven by standout events such as the Conservative Party Conference and the Hyrox World Championships.
We also highlight the new leadership appointments at First Event, with Samantha Ambler, Dan Walker, and Claire Knox joining as directors to drive the agency’s growth and creative strategies.
Additionally, we cover the launch of Patch’s new channel management tool, Octoplus, designed to streamline operations for venues, as well as Sir Nick Varney’s appointment as the new non-executive chair of NEC Group, bringing his vast experience to spearhead their future growth plans.
?? Manchester Central reports record turnover
Overview: Manchester Central , one of the UK’s leading events venues, has announced a record turnover of £27.2m, a 6.2% increase from the previous year. The venue welcomed nearly half a million visitors and contributed £137m to the regional economy, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and transport networks.
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?? First Event announces three director appointments
Overview: UK-based agency, First Event , has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new directors. Samantha Ambler FCIPD has been named people director, Dan Walker as director of experiences, and Claire Knox as director of marketing and communications. Each new director brings extensive industry experience to support the agency’s ambitious growth plans.
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?? NEC appoints former Merlin Entertainments CEO as new chair
Overview: The NEC Group has appointed Sir Nick Varney , former CEO of Merlin Entertainments , as its new non-executive chair. With over 30 years of experience in the tourism and leisure industries, Varney brings extensive expertise to his new role, overseeing the NEC's ambitious plans to transform its site into the UK’s leading entertainment and leisure destination.
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??? Patch launches new channel management tool
Overview: Patch Marketing has unveiled its new channel management tool, Octoplus, designed to streamline administrative and content handling for venues. Octoplus provides an automated solution for venues to efficiently update their listings, addressing the needs of Patch's clients, including Carlton House Terrace, Barbican Centre, and Congress Centre.
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?? Live Group relaunches profiling tool to improve inclusivity at events
Overview: Live Group has relaunched its AudienceDNA profiling tool to enhance inclusivity at events. The tool, available across the UK and Singapore, enables organisations to gather audience data from registration through to post-event engagement, helping deliver more personalised and inclusive experiences.
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?? Elvis Revolution to launch at Immerse LDN in May 2025
Overview: Immerse LDN , in partnership with Layered Reality and Elvis Presley Enterprises/Graceland , will debut Elvis Revolution, a high-tech, immersive experience, in May 2025. Taking place at Excel London ’s new Immerse LDN entertainment district, the event will offer fans a journey into Elvis Presley’s life, centred around his legendary 1968 special performance.
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About Conference News
Conference News is the UK's number one publication for news, insights and thought leadership on the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry. CN is a multi-platform resource providing the latest event sector trends and developments to corporate, agency, association and not for profit organisers, and its industry suppliers.
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?? Featured in this week's edition: Manchester Central, Lori Hoinkes | First Event, Samantha Ambler FCIPD, Dan Walker, Claire Knox | NEC Group, Nick Varney, Melanie Smith CBE | Patch Marketing, Jackson Clark | Live Group, Stephen D. Pickett | Immerse LDN, Layered Reality, Elvis Presley Enterprises/Graceland, Excel London