8 best Manchester networking events 2026

1. Professional Services Brunch by pro-manchester 

Event details

Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026

Time: 10am to 12pm

Address: Royal Nawaab Pyramid, Kings Valley, Stockport, SK4 2JU

Cost: £35 (+VAT) for pro-manchester members, £45 (+VAT) for non-members

What to expect

Businesses in the professional services sector are invited to a brunch networking event hosted by pro-manchester, one of the city’s most active business communities. Taking place at Stockport’s iconic Pyramid, just 6 miles outside of Manchester city centre, this networking event provides an opportunity for professionals in the industry to connect, share insights, and get to know each other over a delicious brunch.

Meet like-minded professional services contacts at this informal Manchester networking event. There are no speakers or formal agenda; the event simply offers a chance to get to know others in the sector as you expand your network.

Can’t make this one? pro-manchester hosts regular networking events in and around the city, including brunches, so keep your eyes peeled.

Event Link

 

2. Networking South – Stockport

Event details

Date: Tuesday 28th April 2026

Time: 8.30am to 10.30am

Address: Royal Nawaab Pyramid, Kings Valley, Stockport, SK4 2JU

Cost: Free for Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce members, £26.40 for non-members

What to expect

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce hosts regular networking events throughout the region. Networking South is the second Manchester networking event on our list hosted at Stockport’s Royal Nawaab Pyramid, providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to build connections and shape change across the Greater Manchester business community.

Networking South covers the Stockport, Trafford and Tameside areas, with the organisers also hosting regular events for Networking Central (Manchester and Salford), Networking North (Oldham, Rochdale and Bury), and Networking West (Bolton and Wigan).

Event Link

 

3. BGH Match by GM Business Growth Hub

Event details

Date: Tuesday 28th April 2026

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Address: The Wellsprings, Howell Croft S, Bolton, BL1 1SB

Cost: Free

What to expect

If you’re looking for free networking events in Manchester, BGH Match is one of the best. Hosted by the GM Business Growth Hub, this Greater Manchester networking event brings together startups, small businesses, and more established brands to network, collaborate, and discover opportunities to access funding to grow their company. 

The event will take place at The Wellsprings in the heart of Bolton town centre, just a 20-minute train journey from Manchester Victoria. 

Open to all businesses based in Greater Manchester, BGH Match will also be attended by representatives from Bolton Council and the Business Growth Hub. Introduce yourself and find out more about the support that could be available to your brand. The event finishes before lunchtime, so you can spend the afternoon following up with new contacts and cementing those budding professional relationships further. 

Event Links

 

4. Lunchtime Seminar by Business Network Manchester

Event details

Date: Thursday 21st May 2026

Time: 12pm to 4pm

Address: The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Salford, Manchester, M3 5LH

Cost: £62.50

What to expect

Business Network Manchester holds regular networking events at various locations in the city. In May, the organisation is hosting a lunchtime networking event at the 5-star The Lowry Hotel in Salford, just a few moments’ walk from Manchester city centre. 

Get to know other local professionals over a 2-course lunch and coffee in the beautiful surroundings of this luxurious hotel. The Lowry Hotel is around a 10-minute walk from both Salford Central and Manchester Victoria train stations, so the event can be easily accessed from across Greater Manchester.

Event Link

 

5. Trailblazing Tech 2026

Event details

Date: Thursday 18th June 2026

Time: 8am to 4pm

Address: SISTER, Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR

Cost: From £75 (+VAT) for pro-manchester members, from £110 (+VAT) for non-members

What to expect

Another fantastic Manchester business networking event from pro-manchester, Trailblazing Tech 2026 is a great opportunity for startups, entrepreneurs, and long-standing companies in the tech space to come together, share ideas, and grow their networks.

This June Manchester networking event will focus on innovations that are disrupting the tech landscape, with panel discussions and keynote speeches set to cover topics including AI, ethics, fintech, and the future of business collaboration.

Trailblazing Tech will take place at SISTER, just a stone’s throw from Manchester Piccadilly station, the transport interchange at Piccadilly Gardens, and our virtual offices at Princess Street and City Tower. 

Event Link

 

6. REG Connects 2026

Event details

Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026

Time: 9am to 3.30pm

Address: Manchester city centre venue TBC

Cost: £85 (+VAT) for pro-manchester members, £125 (+VAT) for non-members

What to expect

REG Connects, hosted by the Racial Equity Group, will be returning for a second year this July, on an even bigger scale. The inaugural event in 2025 welcomed a packed programme of speakers at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, including former England footballer Emile Heskey, plus top names from the world of business. 

The 2026 event promises more voices and a bolder agenda to bring together startups, entrepreneurs, leaders, and more to make new connections and share actionable business insights. Attendees can expect to leave feeling inspired and informed to drive equity forward, whether in their organisation or across the wider business community. 

The programme and venue for REG Connects 2026 are yet to be announced, so add it to your list of must-attend networking events in Manchester and look out for further details.

Event Link

 

7. North West Business Expo 2026 

Event details

Date: Friday 23rd October

Time: 9am to 3pm

Address: Toughsheet Community Stadium, Burnden Way, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6JW

Cost: Free. £20 for Visitor Pass Plus

What to expect

The North West Business Expo is one of the largest B2B expos in the north-west, and it’s coming to the home of Bolton Wanderers F.C. in October. Attendees can expect up to 150 exhibitors from across the region, with over 2,000 people expected to attend on the day. 

This jam-packed event offers countless networking opportunities, with those upgrading to a Visitor Pass Plus getting exclusive access to the Exhibition Lounge to continue conversations over a drink. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your business in front of hundreds of people from across the north-west business community. Boost awareness of your brand, build new connections, and learn valuable insights at this top Manchester networking event. 

Event Link

 

8. The North West Expo – Manchester Business Show

Event details

Date: Thursday 26th November 2026

Time: 10am to 3pm

Address: The Legends Suite, Etihad Stadium, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3FF

Cost: Free

What to expect

Over 80 exhibitors are expected to attend The North West Expo – Manchester Business Show at the Etihad Stadium this November. Tickets are free, so sign up in advance to make sure you’ve got a spot at one of the best business networking events Manchester hosts each year. 

Expand your network by taking part in the event’s programme of free, interactive workshops, or join in speed networking, where you’ll have the chance to make 30 new contacts in 30 minutes. Attend a packed programme of seminars and speakers, seek out potential investment opportunities, and put your business on the map. 

Event Link

Where to find Manchester networking events

Stay in the loop and find out about the latest networking events in Manchester first by keeping an eye on:

• LinkedIn
• Meetup
• Eventbrite
• pro-manchester
• GM Business Growth Hub
• MBH

Get your name out there with a Manchester virtual office address

Manchester networking events are the best way to make new contacts, grow your network, and get your business in front of potential investors. Get more from the events you attend by following up with contacts afterwards, whether on LinkedIn, over a coffee, or in one of our professional Manchester meeting rooms. Multiple Manchester networking events are even held at our virtual office buildings in the city, offering a great opportunity to meet fellow tenants.

Find a virtual office in Greater Manchester to boost your professional credentials, add to your social media and business cards, and put you right at the heart of the Manchester networking scene. Contact our team to find out more.