Driving Growth & Engagement in the UK Hospitality Sector

Northern Restaurant & Bar

The UK’s leading hospitality trade event bringing together thousands of industry professionals for two days of discovery, innovation and connection in Manchester.

As the official marketing partner, we were appointed to lead the strategic promotion and positioning of this flagship hospitality exhibition in Manchester, helping drive awareness, attendance and exhibitor engagement at Manchester Central.

Background

Northern Restaurant & Bar takes place at Manchester Central, uniting the North’s hospitality industry under one roof. This edition recorded over 12,100 visitors and 400+ exhibitors, highlighting its scale and industry relevance. 

With thousands of buyers and operators attending, the event provides a powerful platform for product launches, knowledge sharing and industry growth attracting chefs, suppliers, distributors, bar owners, tech innovators, and hospitality leaders alike. 

Our Challenge

As the official marketing partner, the key objectives were:

  • Boost event awareness across UK hospitality audiences
  • Drive registrations and increase qualified visitor attendance
  • Enhance exhibitor value by promoting key brands and activations
  • Amplify content engagement before, during and after the show

Strategy & Execution

To support NRB’s goals, we implemented a multi-layered marketing approach:

1. Pre-Event Promotion

  • Developed and deployed targeted digital campaigns to hospitality professionals
  • Produced editorial features and social content highlighting keynote speakers, demos and new launches
  • Coordinated media partnerships to extend reach into key trade publications

2. Live Event Content

  • Delivered on-site coverage interviews, show highlights, product spotlights and event recaps
  • Managed daily social updates driving real-time engagement across platforms
  • Curated email newsletters summarising key learnings and announcements

3. Post-Event Amplification

  • Created a series of recap articles and highlight videos to maintain post-show momentum
  • Compiled insights and trends for exhibitors and attendees alike
  • Distributed performance summaries showcasing event impact

Results

Through strategic hospitality marketing in Manchester, the campaign delivered

  • Increased visibility for NRB as the leading Manchester restaurant industry event
  • Strong engagement across social and digital platforms
  • High levels of exhibitor exposure
  • Sustained industry conversation beyond the two-day exhibition

By combining digital precision with industry knowledge, we helped reinforce Northern Restaurant & Bar’s reputation as the definitive hospitality exhibition Manchester businesses rely on.

Conclusion

Northern Restaurant & Bar is more than a trade show it is a driving force within the Manchester hospitality industry.

As the official marketing partner and experienced event marketing agency in Manchester, we supported the growth, engagement and industry impact of one of the UK’s most important hospitality events.

Each year, NRB strengthens Manchester’s position as a leading hub for restaurants, bars, and hospitality innovation.

15M

Followers built over a decade, transforming brands into industry leaders with loyal, engaged audiences.

500M

Global views generated through groundbreaking viral campaigns that captured attention and drove conversations.

£20M

Revenue delivered directly to clients, showcasing the measurable success of our strategies.

2B

Impressions achieved across platforms, keeping brands visible and top-of-mind in competitive markets.

Testimonial

Working with Socialtrend has completely transformed our social media strategy. Their innovative approach to organic growth helped us build an engaged audience and achieve incredible reach. They truly know how to turn creativity into results, and we’ve seen a significant impact on our brand presence.

Testimonial

The team at Socialtrend is exceptional. From crafting viral campaigns to driving authentic engagement, they’ve elevated our social media game beyond expectations. Their ability to combine trend-savvy content with measurable results has been invaluable for our brand.

Let's Talk

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Contact Us

UK Office:
Phone: 0161 726 5937
10th Floor, 3 Hardman Street,
Manchester,
M3 3HF

US Office:
1360 Sutherland St,
Los Angeles,
CA 90026