Leeds: where North, South, East and West meet

Welcoming millions of visitors every year, Leeds is an exceptional city known as one of the top 10 conference destinations in the UK, with its independent spirit and international vision. Compact and accessible, you can walk everywhere in Leeds with all conferencing venues and hotels within easy reach.

Leeds is the epicentre of the modern North and with an unrivalled location is arguably the central point in the UK. It’s an exciting city with a rich, industrial past with a reputation for its excellence in the world of manufacturing, healthcare, professional services and digital.

For generations, the city has cultivated the culture and creativity that can be felt today. With an outstanding venue portfolio, a vibrant culture and a one-of-a-kind food and drink scene the city is able to deliver a unique conference experience for organisers and their delegates, that you simply wouldn’t experience anywhere else.

There are plenty of reasons why Leeds is the perfect place to hold your next conference or event. It has all you’d expect to find in the UK’s third largest city outside London.

There are cultural experiences to be found around every corner it’s a destination for foodies and one of the greenest cities in Europe, and about to become even more green with the addition of Aire Park development – the UK’s largest new city centre green space.

Unique venues

The city has no shortage of venues with a difference to give delegates a memorable conference experience.

No matter what the size, Leeds can accommodate thousands of delegates in a large setting, or accommodate a smaller affair with exclusive venue hire included.

With 3,300 listed buildings in Leeds, the city’s venues aren’t faceless halls on the edge of town. Across the city, the array of venues each have their own story which is sure to wow delegates. From historic buildings and traditional concert halls to theatres and museums, this compact city of unique venues is the place to host a business event like no other.

Among the memorable conferencing locations, independent venues make up a huge part of the destination. With a wealth of independents, Leeds is geared up to inspire collaboration, creativity and innovation, delivering mighty conferencing results, no matter their size. The beauty of independent venues is they have the autonomy to create bespoke packages and flexibly deliver an event tailored to the organisers.

Accommodation options

To help delegates get a good night’s sleep, the city has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and delegate needs. Leeds is a walkable city, with an abundance of hotels close to most conference venues, so delegates won’t need to worry about transport.

Whether you need to be close to Leeds Train Station, have a gym onsite, or need a comfortable working space, there is something for every type of delegate to ensure plenty of much-needed rest before a busy day of conferencing.

Hosting a VIP?

There are a whole host of luxury hotels perfect for extra-special guests and speakers. Voted one of the best hotels in Leeds, delegates can experience luxury accommodation and impeccable service at the Dakota Deluxe close to the business district.

If you’re hosting a residential conference, treat guests to a stay at The Queen’s Hotel. Located right next door to Leeds Train Station, The Queen’s Hotel has the largest conferencing and banqueting facilities in the region, with plush, newly-renovated bedrooms to boot.

Bulk-booking accommodation for delegates is also a popular option in Leeds with the Doubletree by Hilton offering a waterfront location with over 300 bedrooms. Or, opt for the Marriott which is the brand’s flagship hotel in the North. Plus, early next year Hyatt House is set to open its doors in the city centre with another 300 rooms, perfect for delegates.

Foodie capital of the North

There’s a reason why Leeds is known as the foodie capital of the North, not least because it is filled with thriving award-winning independents, big-name favourites, restaurants and venues with fresh, local produce - perfect for catering events or delegate dinners.

The city offers an exceptional dining experience, from luxury dining to living like a local. And if highly-rated dining is your thing, Leeds has an abundance of restaurants appearing in the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide such as Ox Club situated in a multi-floor venue with a restaurant that boasts a wood-fired grill showcasing the best of Yorkshire ingredients and Empire Café a favourite of esteemed restaurant critic Jay Rayner.

Like the conference venues, fantastic independent choices are on every corner; perfect for private dining events or a relaxed delegate dinner following a day of seminars. Try Shears Yard for the sparkling flavours of Europe, The Cheesy Living Company for a Raclette night, or Tharavadu for award-winning Keralan cooking.

Only in Leeds

Leeds is not just a hub for business; it’s a city full of surprises, with hidden gems and a treasure trove of unique experiences that fellow delegates will only find in Leeds.

Filled with entertainment, the city is home to not one but two of the only national touring arts organisations outside of London which are big-hitters Opera North and Northern Ballet. Hyde Park Picture House is the only remaining gaslit cinema in the world. Plus, Leeds West Indian Carnival is one of the country’s oldest and biggest carnivals which graces the streets of the city with a vibrant Caribbean celebration every summer.

With history at heart, Leeds is also home to the Royal Armouries – sister museum to The Tower of London, one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the world, while Europe’s largest stained-glass roof can be seen running the full length of the breath-taking Victorian Arcades. And did you know that Marks and Spencer first started in Leeds Kirkgate Market which is one of the largest covered markets in Europe?

Delegates can discover Leeds with guided tours too. There’s Leeds Food Tours, Heritage Beer Tours and The Leeds Owl Trail is an urban adventure taking you on a journey through the city’s streets. Or jump on Leeds’ one-of-a-kind water taxi and take in the array of architecture along the River Aire.

Getting there

Leeds is one of the most easily accessible cities in the UK and is ideally positioned with direct rail links from across the country. Arriving by train brings you straight into the city centre. It’s just over two hours by train from London and three hours from Edinburgh. With York only 25 minutes away by train and Manchester less than an hour.

We’d love to welcome you to our city. For more information please contact Conference Leeds on info@conferenceleeds.co.uk or visit www.conferenceleeds.co.uk.