Manchester United have dominated on the football field for the best part of two decades, but the Premier League side is now looking to expand that dominance to the conference circuit.

The club – which has taken the Premier League title in three of the past four seasons – has signed up to become a member of the International Congress & Convention Association.

Becoming the 77th new member to gain membership this year, the move illustrates the football club’s ambitions to build up its reputation as one of the UK’s top meetings venues.

Under the terms of the deal the club will hope to capitalise on the instant recognition of their global brand and the top quality conference facilities and service standards at the Old Trafford stadium.

Global Appeal

Man Utd spokesperson Rekha Haughton said: “In the same way the football club’s playing ambitions stretch far beyond the UK, we believe our conference product has similarly wide appeal, and ICCA membership is a great way to reach that global audience.

“We’ve already established a high-profile presence in the domestic arena, and now it’s time to take on the world.”

The Old Trafford stadium has got 24 suites, enough outside space to cater for almost all occasions and 160 meeting rooms that can be used for breakout space. 

ICCA chief executive Martin Sirk said: “This is shaping up to be another fantastic year for new member recruitment from all regions of the world, reflecting the continued strength of the international association meetings market, our area of specialist expertise.

“Manchester United’s entry onto the global stage illustrates just how competitive and innovative today’s international meetings market has become - it’s no longer a playing field exclusively for traditional convention centres and PCOs, but for all kinds of far-sighted and ambitious companies.”