Global experts and city leaders from across the UK will come to Greater Manchester as the city-region prepares to host the Night Time Economy Summit for the first time.
Taking place at Manchester city centre venue, Freight Island, the two-day event takes place on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th February, organised by trade body, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).
The 2024 Night Time Economy Summit will be the third edition of the annual event, with London and Bristol have previously hosted the conference for the hospitality and night time economy sectors.
The event will include a panel discussion with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street, and Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, on how metro-mayors can support the diverse night time economies of their own city-regions.
Other stages will discuss important aspects of the night time economy from developments in electronic music and how that can shape the sector, the importance of sustainable independent festivals, and advocating accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and green sustainability in the night time economy.
UK Government Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, will also address attendees with a keynote speech on the opening date of the summit.
This year’s event comes as the hospitality sector faces increased challenges from squeezed consumer spending and high inflation, with 2024 already witnessing a number of high profile closures in the sector.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“The night time economy has and always will play a crucial role across our city-region. The exciting and diverse offer across our towns and cities creates jobs, brings investment, and nurtures creative talent. From major international arenas to independent venues, Greater Manchester boasts a genuinely world-class night time economy – and next month it will be the centre of an important global conversation about the future of the industry.
“We are acutely aware that it remains a challenging period for many across the sector, and that the knock-on impacts of this are felt throughout the economy. It’s our hope that the Night Time Economy Summit can help rally support for the industry at this crucial time.”
Sacha Lord, GMCA’s Night Time Economy Adviser and Chair of the NTIA, said:
“It is great that leaders and experts from the night time sector are coming to one of Greater Manchester’s most exciting venues to share game-changing ideas and discuss how we can support the industry in what is a very difficult time. Once again, Greater Manchester is leading the way.
“Greater Manchester is proud of the contribution the countless numbers of great venues and businesses big and small have made to our night time economy, and hopefully this summit can support them.
“The cost-of-doing-business crisis continues to cause devastation, however, and it has been heartbreaking to see communities across the city-region lose so many restaurants, bars, and local venues. Government intervention is desperately needed if we are to stem the tide of closures sweeping the country and give the sector the support it needs.”
A full list of speakers and details of how to be book tickets can be found on the event’s website.
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