Recognised for its people-first approach, CHS Manchester is moving beyond traditional customer service by embracing the globally acclaimed philosophy of Unreasonable Hospitality. The concept focuses on creating lasting impressions through thoughtful, unexpected gestures that enhance the attendee journey.
To bring the philosophy to life, the CHS team undertook a dedicated team away day and travelled to Nashville to experience the approach in action at a live event. The insights gained have shaped every aspect of the upcoming exhibition, with the focus shifting from simply being useful to being unreasonably useful to visitors.
A Visitor Journey Designed Around Human Connection
Rather than concentrating solely on the exhibition floor, CHS Manchester 2026 has been carefully designed around how visitors feel throughout their entire experience. From the moment delegates register to the conversations that continue long after the event ends, every touchpoint has been curated to encourage engagement, inspiration, and meaningful relationships.
This approach reinforces the event’s commitment to delivering value beyond business transactions, creating an environment where networking and community building take centre stage.
Manchester Calling Welcome Reception to Showcase the City
The event will begin with Manchester Calling, the official Welcome Reception, offering delegates an opportunity to experience the culture, venues, food, neighbourhoods, and people that make Manchester one of the UK’s leading destinations for business events.
Alongside the reception, CHS Manchester will host a growing programme of fringe events, informal meet-ups, and networking experiences that extend interactions beyond the exhibition hall. These settings are designed to help attendees build authentic relationships in a relaxed environment.
Education Programme to Highlight AI and Event Technology Trends
CHS Manchester 2026 will feature an extensive education programme led by some of the events industry’s most influential voices. Sessions will cover practical insights into artificial intelligence (AI), event technology solutions, and strategies that help event professionals work more efficiently, save time, and deliver more impactful experiences.
The programme reflects the industry’s growing demand for actionable knowledge and innovation that can be applied directly to meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
Premium Accommodation for Hosted Buyers and Delegates
To enhance the visitor experience, CHS Manchester has partnered with several leading hotels across the city to provide exclusive accommodation for hosted buyers and selected attendees. Participating hotels include 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.
The initiative reflects the event’s commitment to ensuring delegates arrive rested, inspired, and ready to make the most of the show.
CHS Leadership on the Power of Memorable Experiences
Emma King, Founder and CEO of CHS Manchester, highlighted the thinking behind the initiative, stating that attendees often remember how events make them feel rather than the size of the exhibition or the number of exhibitors.
She explained that the team’s experience of Unreasonable Hospitality in Nashville resonated strongly with the values CHS has been building for years, encouraging the team to move beyond good customer service and focus on creating unexpected moments that genuinely improve a visitor’s day.
Whether it is introducing first-time attendees to valuable industry contacts, helping delegates discover hidden gems around Manchester, or simply ensuring they enjoy a good night’s sleep, the goal is to create experiences that have a lasting impact.
CHS Manchester Strengthens Its Position in the UK MICE Industry
The renewed focus on visitor experience builds on CHS Manchester’s growing reputation for practical education, meaningful networking opportunities, and industry-leading innovation. By recognising that the moments between meetings often leave the strongest impression, the event aims to set a new benchmark for hospitality within the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
As CHS Manchester prepares to welcome the industry on 30 September 2026 at AO Arena, its commitment to Unreasonable Hospitality is expected to deliver an event experience that goes beyond expectations and reinforces Manchester’s status as a leading global destination for business events.
