The Future of City Activations

Cities are more than just places to live, work, and shop. They shape experiences. The best cities don’t just function, they invite people to stop, engage, and connect.

At the Greater Manchester Visitor Economy Conference, the ambition was clear: by 2030, Manchester wants to be the UK’s most visited city outside London. But attracting visitors isn’t just about buildings and shopping centres. It’s about creating moments, events, activations, and cultural experiences that give people a reason to come and, more importantly, to stay.

So, what’s shaping the future of city activations?