Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get help in organising a conference?

Initially by telephoning the Conference Sales Office on +44 161 306 4100 or emailing conference@manchester.ac.uk. Not only can we advise on potential University venues, but we can also put you in touch with our ConferCare team who offer a full delegate registration service, regardless of the venue.

Where can visitors to the University stay?

Depending on your budget there are several options - Accommodation in standard and en-suite student bedrooms is available during the summer vacation. We also have discounted rates with several local hotels and can book rooms for you.

What is the capacity of your largest meeting room?

University Place, on the University's Oxford Road campus, which can seat up to 1000 delegates, and is fitted with the latest high specification audio-visual equipment.

Is car parking free of do I have to pay?

Car parking is free at Chancellors Hotel (80 spaces) and at most of the halls of residence although availability is restricted in term-time. There are also 300 free spaces at the Armitage Centre which is only a short walk from a number of our venues. There is a chargeable multi storey car park available for Sackville Street venues and several chargeable car parks on the Oxford Road campus.

Do delegates have access to leisure facilities?

Delegates are welcome to use the sports and fitness facilities available at the Sugden Centre and Armitage Centre and are generally charged at staff rates. We also have extensive playing fields and are able to host large scale sports tournaments.

Can I do my own catering?

Unfortunately we cannot allow external catering in our venues.

Do you have an in-house audio-visual service?

Yes, our Media Centre service our conferences and events throughout the University. All of our meeting rooms within teaching buildings are equipped with a data projector, screen and writing surface as standard which is included in the room hire price and many of the theatres and classrooms also offer data and video projector and internet access, including Wi-Fi, which is available across most of the University venues.

Do you have a year round conference venue?

Yes, the University's 3 star hotel and conference centre, Chancellors, caters for day meetings and residential events throughout the year. In addition, year round day meetings can be held at Manchester Meeting Place, the Whitworth Building and the halls of residence.

Where is the nearest train station/airport?

Manchester Piccadilly is the main line station for Manchester and the Sackville Street campus is a 250m stroll, other venues are between 1-3 miles south of the city centre (£5 - £8 in a taxi). Manchester Airport lies further south and is approximately 8 miles from our facilities. Some mainline trains stop at Oxford Road station, from where frequent buses run along Oxford Road and to the Fallowfield and Victoria Park Campuses. For more travel details, please look at our location page.

Who will be looking after my event on the day?

Generally speaking, at each of our venues there is a named Event Manager, who will be responsible for ensuring that all the arrangements are in place for your event and who will be available for part if not all of the event.

What are your terms and conditions for making a booking?

We generally ask for a 20% deposit in order to confirm a booking, but further details on our payment and cancellation terms can be found in our booking conditions document. Also, if you are new customer to the University, you will also be asked to complete a credit application form.

Do you have a set of standard service level agreements?

Yes we do. In order to continually improve on the high quality service our delegates and guests have come to expect, we have approved a number of service level agreements to ensure that these standards are maintained, so that you can be confident of enjoying a consistently high level of service on every visit. For copies, please contact the Conference Sales Office on +44 161 306 4100 or emailing conference@manchester.ac.uk.

Do you have a policy for handling complaints?

Yes see our Complaints Handling Policy for more details.

Do you have a sustainability policy for events?

Yes we do have a sustainability policy to demonstrate our commitment to improving the sustainability of our events. Our menus are also designed to make maximum use of fresh and locally sourced seasonal ingredients with low fat content, which we strive to maintain through our Sustainable Food Policy.