Discover the very best of Greater Manchester’s pioneering creative and placemaking scene with the BEYOND Visit Programme – a bespoke programme of visits and showcases, ideal for international delegates.
A GLOBAL CONFERENCE
BEYOND, now in its 9th year, is an international annual conference exploring the relationship between creative research and business innovation. It brings together 675+ business leaders, creatives, researchers, policy makers, journalists and funders and delegations from over 35 countries to:
EXPLORE pioneering projects through a curated programme of talks, workshops and showcases
CONNECT with future collaborators through networking and interactive events.
ENGAGE with the global conversation on innovation, creativity & opportunity
WHY MANCHESTER?
BEYOND takes place at MediaCity, Salford, one of Europe’s largest purpose-built media districts and home to BBC North, ITV and dock10, the UK’s largest television studio.
Set on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, minutes from the city centre, it sits at the heart of the UK’s leading creative and media cluster outside London: a £5 billion ecosystem of 10,000+ businesses spanning broadcast, animation, gaming, immersive content, design and digital.
A Festival of events across MediaCity wraps around the conference, giving delegates a front-row seat to where European creativity and technology converge.
£5bn creative and media ecosystem
10,000+ creative and digital businesses
£100bn GVA — UK’s 2nd largest city region economy
48,000 creative jobs across the city region
£35.5m in new public investment committed in 2026
Productions filmed here include: Peaky Blinders, The Crown, It’s a Sin & Captain America
THE VISIT PROGRAMME
Experience the very best of Greater Manchester’s pioneering creative and placemaking scene on our VISIT programme, during your time in Salford for BEYOND Conference 2026.
The VISIT Programme includes a bespoke schedule of visits and showcases, including:
Briefings with:
UK Department of Business & Trade
Greater Manchester stakeholders
Cultural Visits to World-class destinations including:
Factory International at Aviva Studios
MediaCity/ Dock 10 – The UK’s leading TV facility
Islington Mill – Artist collective
Dedicated Showcase Opportunities
gives delegates the platform to present their work
Networking lunches & receptions
build lasting connections
BRING YOURSELF, A TEAM, A DELEGATION
Bulk ticket rates are available for groups, perfect for organisations, delegations, and associations who want to experience the best of BEYOND together.
What’s included:
Access to the VISIT programme
Full BEYOND Conference ticket*
Lunches and refreshments from Monday – Wednesday
Local transport between VISIT destinations
Want to find out more? Email the BEYOND Visit Team at [email protected]
