8
Leeds
“There is
scope for
extended
programmes
or day trips
for strategic
thinking,
socialising or
escaping”
here is a thriving arts
scene and lots of live
music thanks to our
theatres and first direct
Arena, so savvy conference
organisers might plan around good
event dates, and there is often
something going on in Millennium
Square, be it something for Light
Night, a Christmas Market, a food
and drink festival or show. There is
also the Leeds International Film
Festival.
With so many universities and
some thriving networks like Game
Republic around, conference
organisers could well be able to
access some good content or
expertise from those who regularly
run or attend events in the city.
There are interesting new spaces
emerging in Leeds around our
growing digital sector - particularly
Good, honest
Yorkshire
conference
charm
Leeds-based Jackie Mulligan, event specialist,
principal lecturer and director of enterprise for
many years at Leeds Beckett University, now
turned entrepreneur and business partner at
Game Republic, tells CN about ‘her’ city
around the canal where spaces like Dock29 provide a funky
and incredibly flexible setting and where the area has
become quite a draw for tech companies. Game Republic
hosted an event and party in that space in June. The added
advantage is that, when available, water taxis can transport
guests from the station to that area.
The Belgrave Music Hall and
Canteen, Duke Studios are also
popular for more quirky venues
and the Tetley Brewery building is
an interesting space linking the
heritage of the city to modern
spaces - it’s an impressive
building.
Organisers should consider also
the access Leeds provides to
other beauty spots outside the
city, and the rail network means
that there is scope for extended
programmes or day trips for
strategic thinking, socialising or
escaping.
Saltaire, a world heritage site, is
home to the spectacular Salts Mill,
home to the Hockney gallery, and
could provide a good option for
someone wanting to add a bit of
difference to a programme. I did
that several years ago for a
conference we ran in Leeds and it
worked a treat.
The Everyman cinema at Trinity
Leeds is a very funky spot and
offers a large screen for hire and
catering at your seat too makes it
a good choice for corporates
looking for something different.
Another advantage is that there
are loads of gorgeous spots for
dining in Leeds too. My current
favourite is a Spanish restaurant
Pintura with an underground
cocktail bar and Crafthouse which
sits at the top of Trinity, looking
out over the city. A Gino Di Campo
restaurant is due to open soon too
opposite Jamie’s Italian.
Overall, Leeds is a friendly place
with all the eclectic attraction of an
urban spot but with the
unpretentious charm rooted in its
good honest Yorkshire upbringing. CN
www.conference-news.co.uk
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