CHS Group Announces Strategic Appointment of Stuart Mitchell, MD of Catch the MICE, to Drive Buyer Engagement for CHS Manchester 2026

CHS Group has announced the appointment of Stuart Mitchell, Managing Director of Catch the MICE, as Buyer Engagement and Partnerships Consultant for the inaugural CHS Manchester, marking a significant moment for both the show and the wider UK events industry.

Taking place at the AO Arena on 30 September 2026, CHS Manchester marks a bold new chapter for the Conference & Hospitality Show, bringing its proven hosted-buyer model to one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing business regions.

A Flagship Event for a Powerhouse Region

The launch of CHS Manchester signals a clear commitment to the strength and scale of the North’s meetings and events industry. With Manchester firmly established as a leading UK destination for conferences, exhibitions and live events, the show is set to become a central meeting point for event professionals from across the UK and beyond.

By creating a single, flagship national event in Manchester, CHS Group is positioning the city, and the wider North-West, at the heart of the industry’s future.

A Northern Voice at the Centre of Buyer Engagement

Stuart Mitchell’s appointment brings both national influence and deep regional understanding. Having lived and worked in Manchester and the North-West for over 25 years, with previous offices in South Manchester and now based in North Manchester, Stuart is closely connected to the local business and events community.

Alongside this regional insight, he brings a strong national and international network built through Catch the MICE, a consultancy widely recognised for connecting event professionals with high-quality venues, destinations and event technology solutions.

This combination of local knowledge and industry reach makes him ideally placed to attract and engage high-value buyers for CHS Manchester.

CHS Group Perspective

Emma King, Founder and CEO of CHS Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Stuart and Catch the MICE to the CHS Manchester team. This is a hugely important launch for us, and it was vital to partner with someone who not only understands the industry at the highest level but also has genuine roots in the North West.

Manchester is an incredible city with a thriving events community, and Stuart’s insight, network and reputation will be instrumental in helping us bring the right buyers to the show and deliver real value for our exhibitors.”

Driving Meaningful Connections

CHS Manchester will bring together hundreds of hosted buyers, exhibitors and industry professionals in a reimagined, festival-style format designed to encourage genuine connection, collaboration and commercial opportunity.

With a strong focus on experience-led networking, education and business outcomes, the event reflects the changing expectations of today’s event professionals.

The appointment of Stuart Mitchell of Catch the MICE reinforces CHS Group’s commitment to quality, ensuring the event attracts a highly engaged, relevant buyer audience.

Stuart Mitchell, Catch the MICE

Stuart Mitchell commented: “CHS Manchester is a hugely exciting development for the industry. Bringing a flagship event of this scale to Manchester reflects both the region’s strength and the opportunities across the UK events market.

Having spent over 25 years living and working in the North-West, this is something that feels both professionally and personally significant. Manchester has always had a strong events community, and this event will only strengthen that further.

I’m looking forward to working with CHS Group to engage high-quality buyers, build long-term partnerships, and help create an event that delivers real impact for everyone involved.”