Manchester has quickly become one of the UK’s most exciting cities for events. From world-class music and sporting venues to popular conference centres and stylish hotels, the city offers an incredible backdrop for events of all sizes. At Sparq, we’ve helped deliver extraordinary events in Manchester and across the North, drawing on our mix of creativity, technical expertise and local knowledge. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, product launch, awards ceremony or something completely bespoke, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about event planning in Manchester. Why Choose Manchester for Your Event? Location & Accessibility – Manchester is one of the best-connected cities in the UK. With a major international airport, excellent rail links, and strong transport networks within the city, it’s easy for delegates and guests to attend from across the country and beyond. Venues for Every Occasion – Manchester offers an unrivalled variety of venues. From the scale of Manchester Central Convention Complex and AO Arena to unique spaces like Victoria Warehouse or The Science and Industry Museum, there’s something to suit every style of event. A Thriving Culture & Business Hub – Known for its innovation, and hospitality, Manchester has become a natural home for forward-thinking businesses and global brands looking to make an impact with their events. There are also plenty of quirky and fun spaces that you won’t find anywhere else. Key Considerations for Event Planning in Manchester Choosing the Right Venue – Your venue sets the tone for your event. Think about your audience size, location, technical needs and the kind of atmosphere they would enjoy. Manchester offers a wide variety of event spaces to suit different styles, so it’s important to know what your guests would prefer. Logistics & Guest Experience- Transport, parking, and accommodation are all essential to consider. Luckily, Manchester’s city centre has plenty of hotels within walking distance of key venues, as well as efficient tram and train services. The airport also makes it easy if you’re travelling internationally or from further afield. Creating Impactful Experiences – In a city known for creativity, your event needs to stand out. Think lighting, set design, immersive technology, and content that engages before, during, and after the event. Sustainability – Sustainable event planning is increasingly important. At Sparq, we work with clients to reduce waste, reuse materials and deliver more eco-friendly solutions without compromising on experience. Sustainability is a priority for usus, and we continually explore new ways to make events greener. How Sparq Delivers Manchester Events With a team based in Manchester and our main warehouse within easy reach, we work across the city on a regular basis. That means we combine local knowledge with the resources of a national events partner. We offer: Full-service event production – from creative design and technical production to logistics and delivery, we can do it all! Flexible support – whether you need AV equipment, technical support, creative design and branding, event management, or even venue finding. You can choose whichever combination of services works best for your event. Experience across Manchester venues – Our team has extensive experience working at all of Manchester’s leading conference venues. We work closely with venue conference teams, so we know their event spaces inside out! Case study: Manchester Metropolitan University – we provide full event management for MMU’s flagship occasions, including the Chancellor’s Dinner and staff awards. From creative planning through to on-the-day delivery, our team manages every detail such as staging, design, theming, production and logistics. We ensure each event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on thousands of guests every year. With Sparq, you’ll have a partner who understands what it takes to create truly memorable events in Manchester. Explore more of our case studies here Top Tips for Successful Event Planning in Manchester Book early – Popular venues and hotels in Manchester book up quickly, especially during conference season and around November/December. Put yourself in your audience’s shoes – Consider the experience from your guests’ perspective. Different clients will prefer different venues and activities, so tailor your approach accordingly. Think hybrid-ready – Many Manchester venues are equipped for live streaming and virtual add-ons, making your event more accessible. Work with experts – A common mistake is trying to manage everything alone, especially when hybrid elements are involved. Let Sparq handle the virtual side and any parts of the event you’re struggling with. You can use as much or as little of our service as you need. Ready to Plan Your Manchester Event? Manchester is a city that thrives on energy and big ideas, the perfect place to host extraordinary events. With our expertise, equipment and passionate team, we are ready to support you in any way you need. 👉 If you’re planning an event in Manchester, get in touch with us today to see how we can make it happen
5 Common Event Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Planning an event, whether live, hybrid or virtual, is no easy task. Even seasoned planners can fall into some common traps that affect guest experience and overall success. Here are five pitfalls to watch out for and how to avoid them. 1. Ignoring Dietary Requirements and Inclusive Drink Options Providing thoughtful food and drink options is more important than ever. Simply offering a token non-alcoholic drink like orange squash next to everyone else’s fancy cocktails feels lazy… and your guests notice. Make sure you have genuinely good choices for those with dietary restrictions and for guests who don’t drink alcohol. Inclusive options show that you value all your attendees equally and those details are what people remember. How to Avoid: Start early by collecting dietary requirements during RSVP. Work with your caterer to offer a variety of appealing non-alcoholic drinks and ensure all food options cater to common dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, nut-free and halal. Don’t forget to clearly label everything on-site, so guests feel confident and included. 2. Trying to Do Everything Yourself to Cut Costs It’s tempting to take on every task yourself to save money, especially for hybrid or live events. But many have learned the hard way how tricky it can be to manage technical setups, coordinate speakers or moderate virtual platforms solo especially on tools like Teams. Bringing in experienced support can save headaches and keep your event running smoothly, so you can focus on what matters. How to Avoid: Identify which parts of your event require specialist skills or extra hands early on. Delegate technical, logistics or facilitation tasks to professionals or trusted team members. Budget for essential support, investing here can save money in the long run by avoiding costly mishaps or delays. 3. Cramming Too Much Into the Day Packing the schedule full might seem efficient, but it often overwhelms attendees and decreases engagement. Remember to factor in time for people to move between activities, network or just take a breather. A well-paced event feels relaxed and enjoyable, rather than rushed and chaotic. How to Avoid: Create a realistic timeline that includes a buffer between sessions and activities. Think through the flow from the attendee’s perspective, how long will breaks, transitions and meals take? Less can be more: prioritise quality over quantity and give guests time to absorb and interact. 4. Underestimating the Workload and Running Out of Time Before the Event Planning takes longer than you think. Don’t leave key tasks like vendor coordination, tech checks or communications to the last minute. Starting early and having a clear timeline can prevent stressful last-minute scrambles and ensure everything is ready when your guests arrive. How to Avoid: Develop a detailed project plan with deadlines for every major task. Build in extra time for unexpected delays or last-minute changes. Regularly check progress against your plan and adjust as needed, so nothing gets left until the last minute. Also, make sure to allocate sufficient time for setup on the day of the event. Whether it’s arranging seating, testing AV equipment or final décor touches. Rushing setup can cause unnecessary stress and impact the smooth running of your event right from the start. 5. Neglecting Post-Event Engagement Many events miss out on the opportunity to keep the momentum going after the day is over. Without follow-up, attendees might forget key messages or feel their time wasn’t valued, losing potential leads or connections. How to Avoid: Plan your post-event communications in advance. Send thank-you emails, share event highlights or recordings and ask for feedback to show attendees you value their experience. This keeps your event top of mind and helps build lasting relationships. 👉 The different events we can help you with
Big Impact, Smaller Footprint: A Better Way to Do Events
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer optional… it’s essential. Businesses have a responsibility to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. More than that, clients, employees and attendees want to engage with organisations that share these values and demonstrate genuine care through their actions. When your events reflect this commitment, they build deeper connections and trust based on shared purpose and meaningful impact. We have put together ways that you can create memorable and impactful events while reducing your environmental footprint. Whether you’re organising a corporate conference, awards night or hybrid experience, simple, effective strategies can embed sustainability into your planning without compromising on quality. 5 Practical Ways to Make Your Events More Sustainable Encourage Smart TravelPromote car sharing, choose venues with excellent public transport links and offer hybrid options to reduce travel-related emissions. Select Eco-Friendly VenuesLook for venues certified with ISO 14001 or Green Tourism labels, which actively work to reduce energy, water and waste. Opt for Sustainable CateringPartner with caterers who source seasonal, local ingredients and have clear food waste reduction plans. Use Low-Impact MaterialsReduce printed materials by going digital wherever possible. When print is necessary, choose recycled and recyclable options. Review and Improve Post-EventInclude an environmental impact assessment in your post-event review to continually improve your sustainability efforts. How Sparq is Reducing the Impact of Events At Sparq, we believe delivering unforgettable events and being kind to the planet should go hand in hand. We take a proactive approach to reducing our environmental impact through initiatives such as: Carbon Footprint Reduction: Promoting virtual meetings and smarter travel choices to cut emissions. Sustainable Event Planning: Helping clients assess and reduce environmental impact, from venue selection to waste management. Responsible Procurement: Working only with suppliers who share our sustainability values for ethical sourcing and efficient resource use. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Installing recycling stations and eliminating single-use plastics across our hubs and event sites. Technology-Driven Training: Using online training to reduce travel and increase team awareness. A Circular Approach to Equipment: We partner with trusted organisations to repurpose and reuse old AV equipment, helping avoid landfill waste. Through our partnership with Ramco, we’ve been able to give surplus production kit, from lighting and audio systems to staging, a second life. It’s helped unlock funds to reinvest into the business and support young people with hands-on learning opportunities in schools and colleges across the UK. Energy Efficiency at Our Core: Using energy-efficient LED lighting in offices and updating warehouses. Community Engagement: Supporting local schools and organising regular neighbourhood litter picks. A Shared Mission for Greener Events Sustainability is a journey, not a one-time goal. That’s why we constantly review our practices and collaborate with clients and suppliers to reduce impact and raise the bar for greener events. By choosing eco-conscious suppliers and thoughtful planning, your next event can leave a lasting impression on your audience and a smaller footprint on the planet! 👉 How we can help you achieve your sustainable event goals
How to Build Buzz Before, During & After Your Event
The core anxiety around planning events boils down to two things: Will people turn up? Will people enjoy it (and say they did)? That’s why building buzz matters. Guests should arrive excited and feel like the event began well before they walk through the door. A strong engagement strategy isn’t just lights and stages (though they help!). It’s about creating a journey from the first invite to the final farewell. Make your event the one they’re still talking about, and already hoping it happens again next year. Before the Event: Build Anticipation Getting people to care about your event starts well before the doors open. The key? Make your audience feel like they’re already part of it. If you can create energy in advance, half the battle is won. 1. Involve Your Audience Early Engagement starts with inclusion. Get people involved before the event and they will become more invested. Use social polls or Q&As to gather input on things like music, catering or breakout topics. Ask questions like: “What would you love to see at this year’s event?“ This makes your audience feel like they’re helping shape the experience and not just attending it. 2. Tease the Experience, Not Just the Agenda Skip the generic invite. Instead of “Join us on 10th October at 2pm,” try painting a picture of the events vibe. Use teaser videos from past events or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Let people know what they’ll feel! Is it energised, inspired, entertained? Use language that reflects the vibe. 3. Create Shareable Moments in Advance Your event should keep appearing in people’s feeds, sparking excitement. Create shareable content that colleagues want to send to friends with a “Shall we go to this?” Start a hashtag early. Tease key sessions or special guests. Drop clues about a surprise element. These help attendees share the hype with colleagues and friends. On the Day: Create Real-Time Connection It’s event day… hopefully your first fear (Will people turn up?) is already behind you. Now it’s about keeping energy high and engagement flowing. 1. Encourage Live Sharing Give people a reason to post! Set up photo booths, branded backdrops or interactive installations. Everyone loves a LinkedIn moment, especially with a nudge like, “Tag us using #YourEventName.” Hire a photographer to capture candid, high-energy moments that people will want to share. 2. Be Present Online Too If you can, stream the event or key sessions live. Not everyone can make it in person, so consider hybrid elements like live Q&As or competitions for remote attendees. 3. Add a Surprise Element Unexpected moments go a long way. Announce a surprise guest speaker or performer (make sure it’s someone your target audience will know). Hand out fun gift bags with branded keepsakes. It doesn’t have to be over the top, just something extra that makes people smile and share. After the Event: Keep the Energy Going The event might be over but your engagement shouldn’t be… 1. Share Photos and Moments Post an album of professional event photos and let attendees download and share them for free. People love seeing and tagging themselves in post-event content. It extends the event’s life and visibility. 2. Announce Winners or Milestones If you ran competitions, tease the winner announcement and prize in the days after. It gives people a reason to re-engage and keeps excitement alive. 3. Share Value Share recorded talks, key takeaways and bonus content. Give attendees something useful to remember the event by and give those who missed it a reason to attend next time! Great events don’t just happen, they are made. Think about how you can engage your audience at every stage and you’ll create something people look forward to. If you want to explore ideas or need a hand planning your next event, we would be happy to have a conversation! 📩 Contact Sparq today to start planning
Top Corporate Christmas Party Themes for 2025
Whether you’re wrapping up a successful year or making the most of the festive season (and those final budgets!) the right theme sets the tone for a Christmas party your team will remember. Here are our top five corporate Christmas party themes for 2025. 1. Christmas in New York New York’s festive magic, made famous by classic Christmas films like Home Alone and Elf, can be brought to life at your event with authentic touches and iconic details. 🍸 Drinks: Manhattan cocktails Espresso martinis Hot chocolate bar with custom toppings 🍽️ Food: New York-style canapés: mini Reubens, pastrami sliders, bagel bites New York-style pizza van (perfect for a late-night snack) Spiced baked cheesecake pots with gingerbread crust or a cinnamon-sugar crumble topping 🎟️ Activities: Live jazz band “Rockefeller photo wall” with faux snow and twinkling lights Yellow taxi photo booth or skyline backdrop selfie station 2. Whimsical Christmas Bring the outdoors in with a woodland-inspired Christmas featuring snow-covered branches, acorns and plush vintage seating, perfect for a warm and festive atmosphere. 🍸 Drinks: Colour-changing gin spritzes Festive mocktails with edible glitter Signature cocktails: “Frostbite Fizz” (Prosecco with rosemary & blueberry ice cubes) “Elfin Espresso” (festive espresso martini with cinnamon sugar rim) Alcohol-free enchanted berry punch 🍽️ Food: Festive food stalls: Mini Yorkshire pud wraps, “Santa’s Roast” carvery, fondue forest Whimsical desserts: Snowflake cupcakes, gingerbread terrariums, chocolate pinecones 🎟️ Activities: Roaming performers such as magicians dressed as nutcrackers and glitter face painters DIY decoration or bauble-painting station Themed photo booth with Christmassy props like reindeer antlers, vintage Santa hats, and fairy lights 3. Traditional Christmas You can’t go wrong with a classic. A Traditional Christmas theme brings comfort and festive charm, perfect for uniting teams over great food, heartwarming music and a touch of nostalgia. 🍸 Drinks: Mulled wine or cider Brandy-infused eggnog Non-alcoholic winter punch with dried citrus fruit 🍽️ Food: Roast turkey sliders with cranberry chutney Mini Yorkshire puds filled with stuffing and gravy Pigs in blankets with mustard dips Mince pies served with brandy cream shots Festive cheese board with chutneys and warm bread 🎟️ Activities: Live carol singers or acoustic covers of Christmas classics Wreath-making or ornament-decorating workshops Christmas cracker trivia and prize giveaways at tables 4. Glamorous Holiday Think champagne towers, gold accents, and a polished, high-end feel from arrival to last toast. 🍸 Drinks: Champagne cocktails with edible gold Dirty martinis and Negronis Custom branded cocktails named after your company or team 🍽️ Food: Upscale canapés or fine-dining stations: Truffle arancini, beef carpaccio, smoked salmon blinis Gourmet carving station or sushi bar Gold-dusted macaroons, champagne chocolates, white chocolate fountains 🎟️ Activities: Live swing band or DJ with saxophonist Paparazzi-style photo moment with gold backdrop Glitter bar offering festive nail art Card games 5. Sustainable Celebration At Sparq, sustainability is a priority. Celebrate consciously with low-impact choices, eco-friendly décor, and thoughtful touches that make a positive difference. Tips: Email guests public transport links to encourage greener travel 🍸 Drinks: Organic wines and spirits Zero-waste cocktails using peel syrups or local herbs Alcohol-free options served in reusable glassware 🍽️ Food: Plant-based grazing boards or seasonal sharing plates Locally sourced, low-carbon menus Seasonal fruit desserts or classic Christmas pudding made with organic ingredients 🎟️ Activities: Eco wreath-making with foraged materials Sustainable gift swap or charity giving tree Digital photobooth instead of printed strips Bonus Tips for Planning a Standout Corporate Christmas Party Match your theme to your audience Think about your team, what do they enjoy on weekends? Are they foodies, music lovers or big on experiences? Let their interests guide your theme to ensure it feels personal and engaging. Include interactive elements What activities could you do for your corporate party. It helps different groups mingle together instead of staying in teams and helps break up the night so the ones drinking alcohol don’t get too drunk! The photo booths and live music always create a fun atmosphere. Offer variety in food & drink Make sure there’s something for everyone, including genuinely good alcohol-free options. There’s nothing worse than being the designated driver and only being offered orange squash! Festive mocktails and inclusive menus go a long way. Think sustainability Christmas can generate a lot of unnecessary waste from wrapping paper to single-use décor. Look for eco-friendly swaps that still feel special, like reusable decorations, plastic-free crackers or digital invites. Not only is it better for the environment but it shows thoughtfulness and reflects well on your company. Communicate clearly Send out invites early with all the essentials: the theme, agenda and dress code. Clear info helps guests plan ahead and builds excitement. Ready to Plan Your 2025 Corporate Christmas Party? Sparq specialises in delivering live, virtual and hybrid events across the UK and internationally. From large-scale productions to small gatherings (or even just equipment hire) we bring events of all kinds to life. Our team includes specialists in every area of event delivery, so we can step in wherever you need us. That could mean managing the entire event from start to finish or simply helping you find the perfect venue. Whether you’ve already got a Christmas party theme in mind or need help shaping something original, we’ll work with you to create a celebration that truly stands out. 📩 Contact Sparq today to start planning