CHS Group appoints Stuart Mitchell for Manchester 2026 buyer strategy

Catch the MICE MD to lead buyer engagement for inaugural CHS Manchester at AO Arena

By Sarah Mitchell · Published Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:56:21 GMT · Updated Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:56:21 GMT

CHS Group names Stuart Mitchell of Catch the MICE as buyer engagement consultant for inaugural Manchester show at AO Arena in September 2026. His 25 years of North-West experience will drive attendance strategy.

Strategic appointment for flagship northern event

CHS Group has appointed Stuart Mitchell, Managing Director of Catch the MICE, as Buyer Engagement and Partnerships Consultant for the inaugural CHS Manchester trade show. The event will take place at the AO Arena on 30 September 2026, marking the first time the Conference & Hospitality Show expands to Manchester with its established hosted-buyer model.

The appointment draws on Mitchell's 25-year presence in Manchester and the North-West region, combined with his national industry network through Catch the MICE, a consultancy focused on connecting event professionals with venues, destinations and event technology solutions.

Regional expansion strategy

CHS Manchester represents a significant expansion for CHS Group, targeting what the company describes as one of the UK's most dynamic and fast-growing business regions. The show aims to establish Manchester as a central meeting point for event professionals across the UK and internationally.

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."

Local expertise meets national reach

Mitchell's background includes previous offices in South Manchester and current operations in North Manchester, positioning him within the local business and events community. His consultancy Catch the MICE has built recognition for connecting industry professionals with high-quality venues and solutions.

"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," Mitchell commented. "Having spent over 25 years living and working in the North-West, this is something that feels both professionally and personally significant."

Festival-style format planned

The inaugural CHS Manchester will feature a reimagined format described as festival-style, designed to encourage connection, collaboration and commercial opportunities among hundreds of hosted buyers, exhibitors and industry professionals. The event emphasizes experience-led networking, education and business outcomes.

King added: "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."

Based on reporting by Event Industry News. Read the original article.