CHS Manchester will run its 2026 show on 30th September at the AO Arena, with organisers putting fresh emphasis on the visitor experience alongside the exhibition itself. The approach is inspired by the "Unreasonable Hospitality" philosophy, which the CHS team explored during a research trip to Nashville, according to the organisers.
The show will open with Manchester Calling, a welcome reception designed to introduce delegates to the city's venues, food and culture, alongside a wider programme of fringe events and networking meet-ups. Inside the show, an education programme will cover industry topics including AI tools for event professionals.
CHS Manchester has also partnered with a number of Manchester hotels, including Treehouse Manchester, Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, INNSiDE by Meliá, Moxy, Hotel Football Old Trafford, Hampton by Hilton, Hyatt House, Roomzzz Aparthotels, Dakota Manchester, Hotel Indigo, The Medlock (a Radisson Blu Hotel), DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly and The Deansgate Hotel, to offer accommodation for hosted buyers and selected visitors.
Emma King, Founder and CEO of CHS Manchester, said: "It's about looking beyond good customer service and asking ourselves a different question: what's the unexpected thing we could do that makes someone's day genuinely better?"
