Healthcare, nuclear science and the Labour Party look set to dominate Manchester's conference circuit in 2012 bringing an estimated economic impact of £39.8m to the city.

Between April and May, three national healthcare science conferences by the MS Society, British Dental Society, and British Cardiovascular Society will be held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, with 8,700 delegates expected to attend.

Nuclear research represents the other key conference theme for the city, when it plays host to three international nuclear conferences in the second half of the year. The European Nuclear Society (ENS) will hold its Top Fuel Conference in September, followed by The Congress of the International Nuclear Law Association and the ENS European Nuclear Conference, in October and December, respectively.

The return of the Labour Party for its annual party conference in September (30 Sept - 4 Oct) further strengthens the city's position on the party political conference circuit: last October saw Manchester host the Conservative Party Conference.

Another major conference for the city in 2012 is the annual Chartered Institute of Housing Conference and Exhibition in June with a 4,500 delegate contingent and a £7.3m injection for the city.

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: "We're delighted that Manchester continues to excel in the area of conference and business tourism, which is testament to the incredible conference facilities we have on offer.

"There have been major developments in Greater Manchester's conference product over recent years, in terms of developing the infrastructure and support services that organisers expect of a first-rate conference destination and we're confident the city-region will continue to generate a significant economic benefit from this sector in the future."

Business tourism in Manchester attracts in the region of 4.2m delegates annually, generating some £570m for the city's economy.

Pictured: Manchester Central Convention Complex