Association conferences in England

England regularly attracts some of the world’s leading association congresses. English institutions are pre-eminent in the worlds of medicine, technology and financial services, and with further expertise in fields such as renewable energy, automotive and aerospace engineering, the creative industries and IT & telecommunications, England is well placed to host the world’s most prestigious events in many key sectors. Learn about England’s sector strengths here.

Association conference organisers will find a spectacular range of state-of-the-art facilities, easy access into our 27 international airports and a quick and efficient transport system whether travelling by road, rail or air.

Our cities have invested heavily in their conference facilities to complement the excellent range of services offered by their convention bureaus (CVBs). Our leading CVBs can offer:

• Venue location and booking services
• Site visits
• Bid production according to your RFP requirements
• Online event booking facilities
• Sourcing hotel accommodation
• Visitor literature and access to imagery and promotional material
• Discounts to local attractions and amenities
• Welcome branding around the city
• Bespoke website pages and PR support

England hosted hundreds of international association conferences in 2023. Our cities are ready to welcome you and help plan your next event.

Ambassadors can attract world-leaders and decision-makers whilst building networks with organisations and offering educational and research opportunities to an international community. City ambassadors help to put both their sector expertise and research, as well as their cities on the map, enabling them to cement their reputation as world-leading destinations for association conferences.

In England, ambassadors have proven to enhance bid conversion, support regional growth and grow the visitor economy as well as promoting the region on a global scale, including elevating their universities’ global reputation.

To effectively engage a variety of sector fields, many of our leading conference destinations run professional ambassador programmes to support a member of your association in their city, bidding for and organising events. Ambassador programmes help to secure prestigious events in key sectors with industry experts who are passionate about their field and their city. From supporting with bidding for events to organising delegate itineraries after securing an event, England’s ambassador programmes offer a multitude of free advice and help for ambassadors wanting to bring their association’s conference to their city.

Find out more about England’s ambassador programmes here.

England is home to some of the world’s most famous universities and thought leaders. As of 2024, there are 124 universities in England, each with specific strengths and areas of expertise offering courses from Undergraduate Degrees to PhDs and shaping the world’s next generation of leaders, thinkers and researchers. Delegates are drawn to England because of what can be achieved when they meet here.

England’s universities offer both traditional and modern venue spaces that are equipped with lecture theatres, small meeting rooms and research facilities to host conferences and events of all shapes and sizes. The University of Manchester is one of the largest academic campuses in Europe with research focusing on advanced materials, biotechnology, cancer, energy and global inequalities. Research is at the heart of England’s universities with many making ground-breaking discoveries and advancements using state-of-the-art technology. For example, the North East is a hub for green technology, electric vehicles and green shipping, the University of Sheffield is home to its cutting-edge Neuroscience Institute, and the University of Plymouth houses the world-leading Marine Institute, one of the largest marine and maritime portfolios in Europe with research in Oceanography and Maritime Science.

Being in the heart of academia offers an inspiring backdrop to events and the unparalleled opportunity to connect, conduct and promote ground-breaking research. England’s universities are global centres of excellence that encourage international collaborations and major strategic partnerships. Meet the minds behind innovation in England and explore the many institutions that continue to advance our knowledge.

England is home to many experienced professional congress organisers (PCOs) ready to support associations in delivering conferences that are impactful, memorable and within budget. These events professionals specialise in coordinating all aspects of delivering an event from venue selection, accommodation and participant registration to catering and audiovisual needs. PCOs streamline the event planning process, leaving associations to focus on content and networking while operational details are expertly managed.

UK-based PCOs can find educational resources, opportunities for collaboration and other support through the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO).