The North - Your Next Event Location?

Travelling to London regularly and meeting the same faces on the (often late, sometimes amalgamated due to cancellation) train service to London made us contemplate reasons to hold more events in the North of England.

As international event organisers, we host awards around the globe and we are always on the lookout for drop-dead gorgeous venues in jaw-dropping cities. In the UK, however, most of our award events take place in London. We have been drawn to the bright lights of the capital despite knowing nominees travel from the length and breadth of the UK.

We are based in Rawtenstall, 10 miles from Manchester and as hosts of the Northern Digital Awards and numerous client events, we are well aware of the iconic cities and outstanding venues available across the region, at a fraction of the cost of their London counterparts!

The North is home to some of the most innovative, curiously creative, definitely inspiring, and downright hardworking companies, organisations and agencies in the country, are they all too often travelling to London when they really needn’t be? Would companies working in the rest of the country like the opportunity to explore what the north has to offer? We think the answer to these questions is Yes, and we will tell you why!

To persuade companies, ourselves included, we look at why Northern Events should be in our calendar and the advantages to hosts and attendees that a visit to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and others is worth the investment.

Access to a New Inspiring Audience

The North is full of innovation and talent. Cities like Manchester and Leeds are emerging as tech hubs with growing numbers of start-ups, innovation centres and established digital agencies that are bringing in new talent. With generational changes impacting the workplace and the current rise and power of Gen Z, the North also harbours some top universities and academic institutions across the region from York to Liverpool and Stoke to Newcastle. According to What Uni, 36% of students stay and work in their city of study and locally in Leeds that figure is 39%. That is a lot of talent hitting the Northern workforce!

With fewer events taking place in the North, attracting media coverage and promotion should be easier and with coverage comes increased attendance and engagement. This is a win/win.

Location and Identity

The North is spotted with cities that boast vibrant cultural scenes, outstanding venues and a dynamic, thriving and growing business environment. Cities like Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham proudly embrace their history and culture. This can provide hosts, sponsors, and attendees the opportunity to explore and experience northern hospitality – which takes some beating.?

Northerners are hugely proud of their strong identity, which translates to enthusiastic support and participation in events taking place in the region. With comparisons between the North and the South prevalent in media, the North always comes out fighting as the underdog, but their spirit and passion is evident, and they will not be beaten when it comes to throwing events. It’s no surprise that three of the biggest football teams in the country hail from the North and the biggest music Arena, The Coop Live calls Manchester home.

Cost Efficiency

As event organisers, we know how difficult it is to find venues in the capital, especially when it comes to budget! Scoping venues for the Northern Digital Awards this year we were overwhelmed by the availability, cost and quality. From large to small, city centre to riverside, ground floor or high rise – options at an affordable price are plentiful. When the bottom line depends on budget the North is a brilliant option.

It's not only cost-effective for event hosts but also effective for attendees! Attendees based in the region will be delighted to be able to bus it! Attendees travelling to the event from further afield may incur travel costs but will be delighted by the reduced hotel, bar bill and food costs. The only current issue could be the train links, but it is getting better, (Andy Burnham leads the charge on this) and the thing about most northern cities is they have an airport and central parking is not going to break the bank.

Local Support and Sponsorship Opportunities

As we mentioned earlier, Northern organisations are riddled with pride, passion and support for the North. Run an event up North and you will need to look no further than the region to find partners and sponsorship opportunities. There will be an abundance of local businesses wanting to increase visibility in the region and beyond, whilst having the honour of supporting the north on the UK-wide map.

Equally, sponsors who don’t have a presence in the North may be more inclined to sponsor a regional event to create and reinforce a local connection to what is an exciting new marketing opportunity.

A northern location choice gives a massive boost to regional growth and economic development as well as potentially creating jobs. Demonstrating a commitment to regional prosperity can enhance an event organiser's and sponsors' reputation as being community-focused, and where appropriate socially responsible, all positive PR.

Unique Venues

Looking to stand out from the crowded event space and offer a unique experience. The North offers a variety of unique and historic venues that provide memorable backdrops for events. Think industrial heritage sites through to modern, sleek purpose-built event spaces and conference centres.

Not only is the venue going to be a wow, but your options for the city centre, countryside or coastal are additional unique experiences and are perfectly picturesque backdrops for event settings! Social media is sure to go wild for the North.

What is holding event management companies back?

By holding events in the North of England, agencies can capitalise on all the above benefits: new aspiring audiences, local support and investment, reduction in costs and unique event experiences.

Instead of the North travelling south, let’s get the South travelling North for northern hospitality and chips and gravy.

What are your thoughts? Would you attend events in the North? Have you been to Events in the North?