The inaugural ‘Smart City – the Manchester Business Conference’ is being organised by business lobbying organisation Downtown Manchester in Business in association with Manchester City Council on Wednesday 14th November at Manchester Central.

Contributors to the conference include city leader Sir Richard Leese, chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, Salford City Council chief Barbara Spicer, Manchester International Festival Managing Director Alex Poots, architect Ian Simpson, chairman of the Halle Orchestra Ian McKeith, chairman of Manchester Digital Tony Foggatt and Spinningfields Mike Ingall.

The event will also host a ‘Market Place’ with a range of top companies already signed up to exhibit, including Aegis, Baker Tilley, Bruntwood, BUPA, Pannone, RSM Tenon, Shepherd and Turner Parkinson.

Downtown Manchester chief executive Frank McKenna said:

“The event will focus on the major opportunities and challenges that the city is facing. The future regeneration of Manchester, the wider city region agenda, the cultural and digital sectors will all be explored.

“The key aims of the day are to bring together the city leaders from the public and private sectors to constructively discuss and debate how Manchester maintains its momentum of growth and success. We will be encouraging delegates to contribute to that discussion, and there will be a chance for businesses to connect in our Market Place.”

Sir Howard Bernstein added:

“We are delighted to be supporting this event. The city council is determined to continue to genuinely engage with our private sector partners, and this is another useful platform for us to develop ideas and dialogue with the Manchester business community.”