UK CONVENTION CENTRE PRICE SURVEY
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BACK
The days when rates fluctuated from one year to another are well gone. All the venues in our survey have no choice but to increase their prices – with one exception. Angela Antrobus reports
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UK CONVENTION CENTRE PRICE SURVEY
NO
BACK
The days when rates fluctuated from one year to another are well gone. All the venues in our survey have no choice but to increase their prices – with one exception. Angela Antrobus reports
Scroll down
Last year, for the first time, every convention centre we surveyed posted price rises well above the inflation rate. A year later, inflation has almost doubled and many centres are feeling forced yet again to charge more, because of external pressures.
The new National Insurance rates for employers and Real Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increases have had to be factored in. Food price rises also continue to loom large and utilities to a lesser extent.
The one centre that has been looking further afield before adjusting its rates is Excel London. Going back two years, it posted decreases when few others did. Last year its prices shot up again big time, but now they’re down again, removing it off the top of the tables for both of our briefs.
“The rates are lower due to a repricing strategy to align with competitor venues across Europe.”
Obviously bringing it further in line with UK rivals, too. London is still a very desirable location for international events, as Swanston points out. This has been Excel’s strongest year yet, he reports. Corporate clients are continuing to grow their events around 18 to 20 per cent and long term a minimum annual growth of 15 per cent is forecast. The centre has also benefitted from the 25,000 sqm of purpose-built space added to its footprint.
Barbican Hall (Photo Credit: Design Council)
Barbican Hall (Photo Credit: Design Council)
The other London venue that features in the survey, the Barbican, remains in the top half of our tables. Its main remit is as a performing arts centre but it has a wide range of spaces and counts national corporate events as its most significant market.
The steepest price increases come from Manchester Central where Louise Day, marketing and communications director, says, “While cost pressures grow year-on-year, we are working hard to ensure our offer continues to provide real value for clients.”
It’s obviously working, as she continues: “Our diary remains incredibly busy with competition for key datelines ever increasing. Manchester’s reputation as a destination for global events continues to grow and with stand-out events like the Brit Awards choosing the city we’re optimistic about future pipelines as more organisers look at what Manchester can offer.” She adds that in-demand months attract premium pricing.
While enjoying a broad portfolio of national events working across all sectors, international partnerships continue to be a key focus and Manchester Central works collaboratively with destination colleagues to position the city in European and North American markets.
Topping our tables are three of Birmingham’s NEC Group venues. No rates were provided last year for the NEC itself, the UK’s largest exhibition centre, and this is the first year VOX has been suggested for the 500-pax brief. Non-peak months may be less pricey. In general, the venues are receiving fewer incoming enquiries year-on-year but seeing significant growth in the demand for ancillary services and catering which makes them optimistic for the future.
Glasshouse, Gateshead. (Photo Credit: Mark Savage)
Glasshouse, Gateshead. (Photo Credit: Mark Savage)
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead hasn’t raised its rates by much but is in a state of flux as far as future bookings are concerned because of uncertainty about the development of the new neighbouring Sage ICC, long anticipated but still delayed.
In the meantime:
“Multi-day association conferences form the pillars of our budget and we rely on a steady stream of corporates throughout the year.”
Chris Laws, head of operations, events and hires, The Glasshouse.
Unlike most centres, ACC Liverpool has been able to undercut inflation rates by making efficiencies such as using packaged items in catering. National associations represent about 70 per cent of its business while corporate events are becoming an increasingly important segment. With annual growth of around 10 per cent, consistent enquiry levels and average bookings value continuing to rise, the centre is confident for both short and long-term business.
Inside ACC Liverpool
Inside ACC Liverpool
Emma Thurlow, business and sales manager of the Brighton Centre, emphasises that its rates are based on exclusive hire of all its 23 meeting spaces. Also, it does not include main production AV in its inclusive rates and clients either bring in their own or are referred to the centre’s preferred supplier list. She explains its rates go up annually in line with inflation and the caterer, a separate but in-house supplier, will potentially have even greater increases due to hikes in food prices – hence this year’s big rises. Its business is determined by the overall strategy of Brighton & Hove City Council whose key target is international association business with over 500 delegates as they bring the biggest economic boost to the city. Thurlow says business levels were up across the board in the past year and expected to be the same this year.
Brighton Centre auditorium
Brighton Centre auditorium
Prices remain incredibly competitive at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay, where quotes are based on a DDR plus the cost of the exhibition and catering spaces. The centre, which boasts a good range of conference rooms plus extensive leisure facilities, welcomes mainly national association and corporate meetings.
RICC Torquay, comedy show
RICC Torquay, comedy show
“Business has increased by about five per cent since last year. But businesses are struggling and some events at this latter end of the year have been cancelled, mostly in the entertainment sector and for Christmas.”
Viki Thompson, events manager, Riviera International Centre
Wales offers more than just value for money, venues claim. The hefty increases at Celtic Manor Resort, near Newport, are blamed on inflation, higher employers’ NI and increased payroll costs. Nevertheless, ‘bleisure’, blending business and leisure travel, continues to gather momentum, according to Paul Williams, PR manager for the Celtic Collection.
“Meeting planners are increasingly seeking venues that offer work-life balance, with amenities designed to enhance productivity while encouraging relaxation. We are also seeing organisers create space for shorter wellness breaks between conference sessions.”
Options include golf, spa experiences, adventure activities and walks around the grounds or organisers may choose the resort’s polo field or rooftop barbecue terrace to enhance their events. Corporate and national markets are its most important sectors but, says Williams, it’s difficult to project for both short and long term because lead times are getting shorter, even for large conferences, and corporate clients are reluctant to commit until they know their budgets.
Neighbouring ICC Wales counts national and international associations as its key markets and has a strong base of association events for future years. The centre operates dynamic pricing according to demand and availability and can price more attractively in quieter months. But it’s finding the contracting
process taking longer than ever with clients more risk averse, only committing to core conference spaces and requesting to hold additional space provisionally.
Adrian La Trobe, head of events management at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, says business from both new and repeat clients has been steadily increasing since the pandemic.
“Buyers are definitely considering new destinations and North Wales can offer modern, purpose-built facilities nestled between mountains and the sea, perfect for focus and wellbeing.”
While keeping its rates rises roughly in line with inflation, Venue Cymru has invested a seven-figure sum in new staging for the major spaces and new sound, lighting and technical equipment.
“We mainly serve the pan-Wales and UK associations market but do host some European events and lots of public and third sector clients. Our rates are consistent year round, although levels of discount offered might vary a little when we want to incentivise clients to specific gaps in the diary.”
Adrian La Trobe, head of events management at Venue Cymru, Llandudno
In Scotland, Edinburgh International Conference Centre has posted rises well above inflation. Assistant director of sales Carron Webster says they experienced a dip in enquiry levels and conversion of shortterm events from March to May, due to a combination of impending NI rises and market uncertainty about US tariffs, which impacted the corporate market particularly. However, market confidence quickly returned and next year will see a good mix of corporate and international and national association business.
The Scottish capital is a popular destination and generally the centre is busy but in quieter months, such as January, February and over Easter, it adopts a Team Edinburgh approach of collaboration and quoting as keenly as possible from the outset.
In Aberdeen, P&J Live has found winning business quite a challenge due to increasing competition from other large-scale venues. But Steve Daun, head of sales - associations, says long-term business is strong, with association by far their biggest growth market, and they’re seeing an increase in the number of clients looking at venues for 2027 and beyond. International business in particular looks promising for the future. There is also a strong corporate market in Aberdeen itself. Rates and discount offers at the venue can vary depending on the time of year.
P&J Live - conference room
P&J Live - conference room
Over in Northern Ireland:
“The last 12 months have been fantastic!”
Laura O’Kane, marketing and communications manager at ICC Belfast.
Laura O’Kane, marketing and communications manager at ICC Belfast, says: “We achieved 40 per cent revenue growth and secured major multi-year contracts with some associations which gives us real confidence for the short term.”
For the long term, under its new chief executive Rob McConnell, the centre has come up with a clear threeyear plan to grow nationally first and then expand its international footprint.
“Right now, we are putting a lot of emphasis on the national corporate market to make sure our 2026 diary is strong. At the same time, we know association business takes longer to convert so we are looking at European opportunities, especially in Belgium and Spain, which is already paying off.”
She says seasonality plays a part as far as rates are concerned and the venue creates bespoke packages that align with market demand during quieter months.
Trends
Some centres say lead times are getting even shorter, others that the situation is improving and one or two report a longer discussion-making process and longer lead times. So no UK-wide consensus there, then.
The Brighton Centre is seeing an increase in multi-year contracts and associations wanting to secure their rotation patterns between fixed locations. Also, more stand-up networking social functions rather than formal banqueting. The key word for many events is ‘sustainability’, now a necessity for all clients at ExCeL, along with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards.
Brighton Centre auditorium
Brighton Centre auditorium
ICC Wales
ICC Wales
ICC Wales
ICC Wales
Venue Cymru Arena
Venue Cymru Arena
At Manchester Central it translates as the social impact and opportunities to work with local delivery partners to embed events within the city and build robust legacy programmes. At ICC Wales it extends to wellness and legacy, such as its ‘Ponder Pods’, woodland trails and relaxation lounge. At Venue Cymru, it might be a more authentic local experience, from learning about the Welsh language and culture to knowing the story behind locally sourced drinks and produce.
ICC Belfast has recognised an appetite for something fresh, especially from corporate clients looking for experiences that go beyond the traditional conference format. In response it’s launched its Event Creation and Curation function, designed to deliver regionally significant events that attract visitors from outside Northern Ireland while offering immersive experiences for delegates.
The PCO's view
“It’s interesting to note that most convention centres have only marginally increased their rates, with the exception of a few that have implemented considerable rises. I would attribute these larger increases to the high demand in those cities, likely driven by their location, the availability of hotel accommodation, and the overall quality of their offering.
“In contrast, smaller cities and convention centres have generally experienced much smaller rate increases which is encouraging and realistic.
“Our experience shows that most convention centres are actively negotiating and encouraging three-year contracts as a way to minimise rate increases. Repeat conferences and returning clients are being particularly incentivised and welcomed.
“I am concerned that for some smaller association conferences in the medical sector, the ongoing increase in venue fees is impacting the per capita cost. With continued austerity measures and reductions in training budgets, there is a real risk that these events may eventually become unaffordable for many participants and cease to be run.”
The PCO, Rebecca Cadman-Jones, MD, KC Jones Conference & Events
The PCO, Rebecca Cadman-Jones, MD, KC Jones Conference & Events
The in-house view
“At the British Pharmacological Society, one of our priorities is to offer members very low registration fees to attend our Annual Conference each December. While this makes the event accessible to our community, it makes budgets extremely challenging to balance and therefore cost is a significant factor when choosing where to host our event.
“A rise in costs each year is expected, but it makes it a challenge when we are reluctant to pass the increased costs on to our attendees. For many years the society ran its Annual Conference in London but we now rotate around the UK, choosing venues that can offer the most competitive rates, as well as considering a venue’s sustainability credentials. For now, we’ve been priced out of London and Birmingham, although it’s interesting to see ExCel reducing its rates this year.
“Increasingly, it's also not just about the venue hire fee. We're looking at what's included in that and what extra costs we'll have to pay - for example how much additional AV is required, how flexible are the catering packages, how many staff hours are included, is there any digital signage included or is that extra? Whether it’s a 39 per cent increase or a cost reduction, it needs to be assessed against the whole value proposition.
“Ultimately, as a registered charity, we need to justify any increased expenditure to our trustees and our members and have a responsibility to ensure we are getting the best value for money.”
The in-house organiser Isabel Brinsden, head of events and partnerships, British Pharmacological Society
The in-house organiser Isabel Brinsden, head of events and partnerships, British Pharmacological Society
Conference Centre
(500 people) All prices ex VAT
|
Centre |
2026 £ |
2025 £ |
Price difference % |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ICC Birmingham |
61,535 |
58,000 |
6.10 |
|
VOX, Birmingham |
58,125 |
na |
|
|
QEII Centre |
57,500 |
na |
|
|
The Barbican, London |
53,200 |
53,070 |
0.24 |
|
The Glasshouse International Centre |
50,910 |
49,845 |
2.14 |
|
ExCeL London |
50,334 |
60,326 |
- 16.56 |
|
Manchester Central |
50,013 |
35,950 |
39.12 |
|
ACC Liverpool |
49,763 |
48,549 |
2.50 |
|
Brighton Centre * |
48,500 |
44,750 |
8.38 |
|
Celtic Manor Resort |
45,510 |
41,600 |
9.40 |
|
NEC, Birmingham |
40,295 |
na |
|
|
Edinburgh International Conference Centre |
38,600 |
36,253 |
6.47 |
|
ICC Wales |
38,445 |
35,900 |
7.09 |
|
ICC Belfast |
32,000 |
31,930 |
0.22 |
|
P&J Live, Aberdeen |
33,519 |
31,941 |
4.94 |
|
Venue Cymru, Llandudno |
26,390 |
25,120 |
5.06 |
|
Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay |
26,250 |
25,582 |
2.61 |
Venues were asked to provide a quote for a one day conference in October 2026 for both 500 and 1,000 people theatre-style with a PowerPoint presentation facility, including laptop, data projector, lectern and screen.
*AV extra
Conference Centre
(1,000 people) All prices ex VAT
|
Centre |
2026 £ |
2025 £ |
Price difference % |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QEII Centre |
115,000 |
na |
|
|
NEC, Birmingham |
94,200 |
na |
|
|
Manchester Central |
91,090 |
78,950 |
15.38 |
|
Celtic Manor Resort |
84,810 |
77,550 |
9.36 |
|
ICC Birmingham |
83,080 |
78,000 |
6.51 |
|
ACC Liverpool |
77,884 |
75,616 |
3.00 |
|
The Barbican, London |
77,660 |
76,950 |
0.92 |
|
ExCeL London |
74,847 |
85,279 |
-12.23 |
|
Brighton Centre * |
74,500 |
68,000 |
9.56 |
|
ICC Wales |
72,945 |
70,900 |
2.88 |
|
Edinburgh International Conference Centre |
71,000 |
66,106 |
7.40 |
|
The Glasshouse International Centre |
63,920 |
63,345 |
0.91 |
|
P&J Live, Aberdeen |
63,050 |
57.750 |
9.18 |
|
ICC Belfast |
63,000 |
61,800 |
1.94 |
|
Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay |
51,500 |
42,952 |
19.90 |
|
Venue Cymru, Llandudno |
44,940 |
43,650 |
2.95 |
Venues were asked to provide a quote for a one day conference in October 2026 for both 500 and 1,000 people theatre-style with a PowerPoint presentation facility, including laptop, data projector, lectern and screen.
NB: article was updated with QEII Centre data on 21/1/26
*AV extra
