Manchester has always been an important centre for industry - in fact it has a reputation for being the world's first industrialized city - since the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution turned the city from a dominant textile marketplace to the centre of many of Lancashire's major industries, particularly cotton, earning it the nickname "Cottonopolis".
Today it is still a centre of industry, though since its frequent redevelopments cotton is no longer its greatest export. Manchester's Central Business District holds a cluster of large businesses from a range of industries. However, as far as facilities for a conference centre Manchester hasn't a great deal of choice.
For finding accommodation Manchester is not a troublesome city - there are plenty of hotels available, as well as the great variety of B&B Manchester has to offer. But with the city's long-held propensity for sizeable industry there is something of a lack of affordable function facilities, unless renting out Old Trafford football ground is within your budget.
Manchester conference centers are sought-after, and while you may find a few just outside of city limits, there will surely be new facilities cropping up with the development of Manchester's newest business district, Salford Quays.
