Quays Theatre

Four lightning talks that showcase how creativity is driving technology innovation across entertainment, health, theatre and music.
REK presents VR-controlled humanoid fighting robots that merge advanced robotics, AI and mixed reality to create new entertainment experiences.
SONA showcases precision neurotechnology pairing vagus nerve stimulation with immersive audio to rebalance the body’s stress response and restore focus.
Meaning Machine created the live action video game system for Punchdrunk’s “Lander 23” – blending AAA gaming and immersive theatre into a multiplayer stealth experience.
Copper Candle demonstrates real-time markerless motion capture technology bringing emerging musicians into virtual venues within Fortnite’s metaverse.

Thomas Keane, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Meaning Machine

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

Four lightning talks that showcase how creativity is driving technology innovation across entertainment, health, theatre and music.
REK presents VR-controlled humanoid fighting robots that merge advanced robotics, AI and mixed reality to create new entertainment experiences.
SONA showcases precision neurotechnology pairing vagus nerve stimulation with immersive audio to rebalance the body’s stress response and restore focus.
Meaning Machine created the live action video game system for Punchdrunk’s “Lander 23” – blending AAA gaming and immersive theatre into a multiplayer stealth experience.
Copper Candle demonstrates real-time markerless motion capture technology bringing emerging musicians into virtual venues within Fortnite’s metaverse.

James Simpson, Director, Copper Candle

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

Four lightning talks that showcase how creativity is driving technology innovation across entertainment, health, theatre and music.
REK presents VR-controlled humanoid fighting robots that merge advanced robotics, AI and mixed reality to create new entertainment experiences.
SONA showcases precision neurotechnology pairing vagus nerve stimulation with immersive audio to rebalance the body’s stress response and restore focus.
Meaning Machine created the live action video game system for Punchdrunk’s “Lander 23” – blending AAA gaming and immersive theatre into a multiplayer stealth experience.
Copper Candle demonstrates real-time markerless motion capture technology bringing emerging musicians into virtual venues within Fortnite’s metaverse.

Jane Ollis, Founder, SONA

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

Four lightning talks that showcase how creativity is driving technology innovation across entertainment, health, theatre and music.
REK presents VR-controlled humanoid fighting robots that merge advanced robotics, AI and mixed reality to create new entertainment experiences.
SONA showcases precision neurotechnology pairing vagus nerve stimulation with immersive audio to rebalance the body’s stress response and restore focus.
Meaning Machine created the live action video game system for Punchdrunk’s “Lander 23” – blending AAA gaming and immersive theatre into a multiplayer stealth experience.
Copper Candle demonstrates real-time markerless motion capture technology bringing emerging musicians into virtual venues within Fortnite’s metaverse.

Richard England, Engineering Director, REK

Watch “On Demand”

Aldridge Studio 1

Generative AI’s hunger for creative works sparks a fierce debate: is open AI training a legitimate extension of cultural remix, or an existential threat to the UK’s creative economy? Leading voices face the issues on copyright, consent, and the future of creative work in the AI era.

Guy Gadney, Founder & CEO, Charismatic.ai

Jocelyn Burnham, Independent AI Communicator, AI for Culture

Martin SFP Bryant, Founder, PreSeed Now

Nuala Polo, UK Public Policy Lead, Ada Lovelace Institute

Rishi Coupland, Director of Research and Innovation, BFI

Compass Room

Join fellow delegates in the BEYOND showcases to celebrate creativity, collaboration and innovation. Explore new projects shaping the future of immersive storytelling and creative R&D — and connect with the people making it happen.

Aldridge Studio 3

New technologies are transforming how we experience, share and protect cultural heritage. From digital twinning to spatial audio reconstructions and location-based storytelling, this session highlights creative collaborations that bring together technology, community and imagination to keep cultural stories alive and shape the next phase of digital heritage practice.

Chao Tayiana Maina, Founder & Digital Heritage Specialist, African Digital Heritage

Gary Zhexi Zhang, Artist, Independent

Kati Price, Head of Experience & Digital, V&A

Owen Hopkin, Director of New Technologies and Innovation, Arts Council England

Aldridge Studio 3

Advances in technology and the creator economy are opening up new ways of working for production companies. But at such a rapid pace, can education providers keep up? Hear from HE strategists, employers and graduates of content creation programmes to explore how to best prepare the next generation of creatives.

Anna Cronin, Course Leader, NFTS Creator Academy

Daniel Gbolagun, Marketing & Social Media Executive, YouFibre

Karen Brodie, Deputy Director, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre

Katie Moffat, Chair, FACT

Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean; Knowledge Exchange, School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, University of Salford, Manchester

Quays Theatre

Today’s cultural designations go beyond spectacle. They turn cities into testbeds where creativity drives regeneration, inclusion and policy. This session brings together global cultural leaders to explore how – with climate action, digital innovation and community at their heart – these projects are reimagining how culture can build civic resilience and catalyse lasting change.

Hilary Knight, Director, Change&

Marta Foresti, Founder and CEO, LAGO Collective

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

Watch “On Demand”

Aldridge Studio 1

Advances in robotics and neurotechnology are opening new possibilities for enhancing human creativity and cognition, with implications for how we learn, work, and express ourselves. As these tools move from labs into classrooms, studios, and workplaces, they raise pressing questions about what it means to collaborate with machines.

Katie Popperwell, Chair of Manchester City of Literature, CET / Freelance

Shama Rahman, CEO and Founder, Neurocreate

Watch “On Demand”

Compass Room

Explore new and novel ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in creative technologies. Try new prototypes and learn about developing projects in the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases.

Hexagon Room

This panel brings together members of the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement to highlight how higher education institutions can powerfully intersect with and shape a more connected, creative, and equitable city-region. It showcases the ongoing collaboration between universities, industry, and civic partners across Manchester and Salford, to tackle shared challenges and co-develop solutions that support sustainable economic growth, digital inclusion, and cultural vitality.

Presented by University of Salford

John McAuliffe, Director, Creative Manchester, University of Manchester

Kirsty Fairclough, Professor of Screen Studies, School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University

Lara Carmona, Managing Director – Client Strategy & Policy, iNHouse Communications

Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean; Knowledge Exchange, School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, University of Salford, Manchester

Wiebke Thormählen, Director of Research, Royal Northern College of Music

Quays Theatre

Creator businesses that are scaling into international, multi-faceted media companies are now offering legacy media companies a new framework of development. This session explores the evolving role of media producers, content creators, and the changing behaviours and roles of audiences, to begin to answer the question: how will creator-led models reshape established media?

Janine Smith, Interim Co-MD, 4Studio, Channel4

Jen Topping, Writer, Business of TV

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

The UK’s Digital and Creative Industries are increasingly looking Eastwards, where Korea’s global K-Wave and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) diverse cultural archipelagos present new opportunities for growth. This session explores how international collaboration can amplify talent, innovation and storytelling across borders, creating partnerships that will shape the next phase of the global creative industries.

Irene Umar, Vice Minister of the Creative Economy, Ministry of the Creative Economy

Nana Yu-I Lee, Senior Researcher, Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy

Taejun Lee, Professor, KDI School of Public Policy and Management

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

Flipping the script on CreaTech innovation, this session explores how artists and cultural institutions shape technological development. Through global research and practitioner insight, we explore how artist-led interventions embed human values, accountability, and diversity into emerging technologies, ensuring they serve people, inspire creativity, and drive sustainable innovation.

Aurora Hawcroft, Programme Manager, Digital Innovation (Arts), British Council

Piotr Mirowski, Senior Staff Research Scientist, Google DeepMind

Sougwen Chung, Artist and researcher, Studio Scilicet

Watch “On Demand”

Aldridge Studio 1

As immersive storytelling evolves, temporary worlds are becoming ever more intricate, ambitious, and unforgettable – disappearing in days but lingering for years. This panel examines how creative technology can elevate festival experiences while designing for sustainability and cultural legacy, setting new standards for the future of live experience design.

Alex Rowse, Executive Producer, Marshmallow Laser Feast

Angie Bual, Creative Director, Trigger

Mair Morel, Creative Director, Boomtown Fair

Sarah Ellis, Director of Digital Development, The Royal Shakespeare Company

Watch “On Demand”

An evening for BEYOND attendees to meet and mingle in the heart of Manchester — surrounded by interactive art, light, and sound at SUPERMASSIVE.
Join us on Tuesday, 25 November, from 18:00 – 23:00hrs at SUPERMASSIVE — Manchester’s rooftop playground of creativity, technology, and immersive fun. RSVP here.
Midway through the BEYOND Conference, this relaxed social mixer is the perfect chance to unwind, share ideas, and connect with fellow attendees in a vibrant, hands-on space that celebrates innovation and play.
Entry is free for BEYOND attendees but spaces are limited!
Drinks will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Spaces are limited and this event always fills up fast – don’t miss your chance to be part of a night of creativity, connection, and fun!
RSVP here

Quays Theatre

Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK, is joined by Content Creator Rick Shiels, Phil Hughes (Digital Creator Association) and Grace Miller (FlightStory & Diary of a CEO) to discuss the economic and cultural contribution of the Creator Economy to the UK. Building on the Creator Consultation, a landmark report capturing insights from almost 10,000 UK creators, they’ll explore the challenges, opportunities and support needed to help the sector flourish.

Alison Lomax, MD UK and Ireland, YouTube

Grace Miller, Head of Failure and Experimentation, FlightStory

Philip Hughes, Founder & CEO, The Digital Creator Association

Rick Shiels, PGA Golf Professional and Founder, Rick Shiels Golf

Watch “On Demand”

Pier 8 Room – Room 1

A vibrant lunchtime meet-and-greet bringing together this year’s BEYOND Emerging Innovators, their mentors, and industry professionals. This relaxed networking session offers a unique chance to connect with the next generation of creative talent, hear about their groundbreaking projects and early career journeys, and welcome them into the wider BEYOND community.

Quays Theatre

A wrap-up of the first day of BEYOND 2025 with a preview of Day 02 and an introduction to the BEYOND Emerging Innovator Programme.

Josie Durant, Project Manager, BEYOND Studio

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

UK creators are poised to become the powerhouse entertainment franchises of the future – but the full scale of their economic, social and cultural impact upon UK consumers is rarely credited. MIDiA Research outlines their research into the real impact of this growing sector, and ways traditional entertainment industries can collaborate.

Ben Woods, Creator Economy Analyst, MIDiA Research

Watch “On Demand”

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND EXPO in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Beyond Info Desk @ Pier 8

Registration is open from 8.30am. Please arrive with plenty of time to check in and collect your delegate badge. Tea and coffee and delegate cloakroom will be available on arrival.

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND EXPO in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Quays Theatre

A candid, human-first conversation that demystifies the creator economy by spotlighting the lived realities, ethical dilemmas, and creative values of influencers, streamers, and content makers. This isn’t about brand deals or follower counts – it’s about what it actually means to work in this space in 2025.

Presented in cooperation with MITIH (MediaCity Innovation and Immersive Technology Hub)

Amy Stuart, Head of Innovation and Ideation, MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH)

Joel Mawhinney, Magician / Content Creator, YouTube / Blue Peter

Zara Beth, Content Creator, Zara Beth

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

In a volatile world where authoritarian governments and tech bros seek to manipulate and weaponise culture, and the impact of AI remains uncertain, what is the role of institutions in sustaining an open and healthy cultural life, and how can we foster social solidarity while staying rooted in reality?

Elene Toidze, Co-Founder and Director, Creative Clusters Alliance (CCAL)

Gus Casely-Hayford, Director, V&A East

John Newbigin, Chair, World Conference on Creative Economy International Steering Committee

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

Welcome from our host Nihal Arthanayake and Salford City Council Mayor, Paul Dennett.

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford, Salford City Council

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

As Director of Research and Innovation at the British Film Institute (BFI), Rishi Coupland is no stranger to the intersection of creativity and technology. Join Rishi as he reflects on the second part of our highlights stage programme, dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations in CreaTech.

Rishi Coupland, Director of Research and Innovation, BFI

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Watch “On Demand”

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND EXPO in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Quays Theatre

A wrap-up of the first day of BEYOND 2025 with a preview of Day 02 and an introduction to the BEYOND Emerging Innovator Programme.

Josie Durant, Project Manager, BEYOND Studio

Nihal Arthanayake, TV Presenter and Broadcaster

Aldridge Studio 1

This session explores innovation at the intersection of wellbeing and technology. Discover how The Mindset Programme is transforming mental health innovation and what’s next for DTx funding. Then, learn how Innovate UK’s BridgeAI initiative helps businesses harness trusted AI solutions through funding, collaboration, and upskilling across high-growth sectors.

Alex Boyd, Found Director, EcoGPX

Julie McCarthy, Strategic Lead for Creative Health, GMCA

Sean Carroll, Business Development Manager, TEND VR

Tony Steffert, Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer, SONA

Watch “On Demand”

Hexagon Room

MyWorld launched in 2021 with £30M to transform the West of England’s creative tech sector. This session explores its impact—jobs, IP, research, investment—and lessons learned. A panel spanning funding, skills, infrastructure, and research will share what worked, what didn’t, and what MyWorld would redesign if starting today..

Presented by MyWorld

Ben Ackland, Co-Founder, Meaning Machine

Gabby Shiner Hill, Director, shinerhilldesign

Katie Martin, CEO, Audience Insights

Mark Leaver, Mark Leaver Consulting

Rob Hifle, Creative Director, Lux Aeterna

Watch “On Demand”

Quays Theatre

The second half of the AHRC programme will showcase the breadth of AHRC investments, exploring how best to support the UK’s creative economy. Through story-led case studies and a panel discussion, speakers will share how ideas developed, the results achieved, and the challenges and priorities emerging for the sector. Linked to wider policy and funding goals, including UK Government priorities, the session aims to spark knowledge exchange that shapes future partnerships, investment, and policy.

Audra Gill, Head of Creative Industries, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Bambo Soyinka, Research Director and Professor of Story, StoryArcs

Carolyn Nasiff, Operations/Business Development Manager , Save Your Wardrobe

Douglas Atkinson, Reader in Fashion Technologies, Manchester Metropolitan University

Gemma Bradshaw, Impact Director, The TV Foundation

Laura Partridge, Associate Director, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Mykaell Riley, Director, Black Music Research Unit, University of Westminster

Shahidha Bari, Professor, University of the Arts London

Tia-Monique Uzor, Lecturer , The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Tupac Martir, Creative Director, Satore Studio

Aldridge Studio 1

Discover two R&D projects supported by XR Network+ in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company as part of an industry-led challenge. The projects showcase how technology is transforming both the creative process and the audience experience, blurring the line between live and digital theatre. Discover the virtual rehearsal room prototype from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and a real-time, artist-centred virtual production project led by CAMERA at the University of Bath.

Presented by XR Network+

David Gochfeld, Performance Lab Fellow, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Eva Martino, Innovation Lead, University of Bath

John Rose-Adams, Associate Director, Innovation and R&D, The University of York

Sarah Ellis, Director of Digital Development, The Royal Shakespeare Company

Watch “On Demand”

Aldridge Studio 2

The ACH Taxonomies Project is part of the Culture and Heritage Capital (CHC) programme funded by the DCMS and the AHRC. The project aims to develop taxonomies that systematically articulate the multiple benefits (or disbenefits) generated by Arts, Culture and Heritage (ACH) in a way that enables us to give weight to ACH in wider economic appraisal and decision-making. In this talk, we will explore the process of creating taxonomies for arts, culture and heritage, our progress so far, and will seek feedback on our proposed model.

Presented by Historic England

Adala Leeson, Head of Socio-Economic Analysis and Evaluation, Historic England

Hugh Brown, Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries, University of Leeds

Aldridge Studio 2

Through funding 25+ games and CreaTech projects in its 2-year lifecycle, the Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) programme has developed an innovation model that supports academic-industry collaboration in games and adjacent creative industries.
Join our gamified interactive workshop to learn how our non-linear innovation model can address your organisation’s challenge.

Presented by Games and Innovation Nexus

Lauren Newport-Quinn, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Manager, University for the Creative Arts | GAIN

Nick Royal, GAIN Programme Manager, University of Surrey

Aldridge Studio 3

Step into the future of creativity with Next-Gen Innovation, where the 2025 Emerging Innovators cohort takes the stage to share bold ideas reshaping our world. In a series of lightning talks and a dynamic roundtable, early-career researchers and creators reveal pioneering work across XR, storytelling, sustainability, and social impact — redefining what innovation means today.

Quays Theatre

AHRC’s long-term investment in place-based innovation is driving growth in the UK’s creative industries. This session will showcase how initiatives including the Creative Industries Clusters, CoSTAR, and Immersive Arts connect research, business, and communities to boost collaboration, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness. Speakers will share best practice and real-world examples, highlighting achievements and exploring future opportunities for a dynamic, innovative sector.

Audra Gill, Head of Creative Industries, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Cathy Kerfoot, Associate Director, Major Programmes, Arts and Humanities Research Council

David Bull, Director, MyWorld – University of Bristol

Helena Daffern, Director, CoSTAR Live Lab

Justin Lewis, Director, Media Cymru

Lamberto Coccioli, Director, CreaTech Frontiers

Laura Partridge, Associate Director, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Nicola Osborne, Co-Investigator, CoSTAR Realtime Lab

Richard Koeck, Director, MusicFutures

Ruth McCullough, Executive Producer, Immersive Arts

Tupac Martir, Creative Director, Satore Studio

Aldridge Studio 3

Reverse Mentoring turns the tables on traditional hierarchies, inviting senior leaders to learn directly from the next generation of creatives. Through structured dialogue and collaborative reflection, early-career innovators share lived experiences and insights on emerging cultures, technologies, and pathways into the creative industries. This interactive workshop fosters genuine exchange, highlighting how intergenerational collaboration can spark fresh ideas, dismantle barriers, and shape a more equitable future for innovation.

Compass Room

Explore new and novel ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in creative technologies. Try new prototypes and learn about developing projects in the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases.

Hexagon Room

The creative industries are undergoing unprecedented change in the creation, distribution, and consumption of content. Drawing on the Creative Industries Sector Vision, experts in creative arts, broadcast, and gaming examine how boundaries between disciplines are blurring, what the sector must do to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Presented by Dock10

Alison Lacy, Chief Operating Officer, Radical Forge

Florian Block, R&D Lead, AI & Immersive, dock10 / University of York

Gabrielle Jenks, Digital Director, Factory International

Mandy Parkinson, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor Knowledge Exchange, University of Salford

Aldridge Studio 3

Explore how generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney are transforming creative businesses today. Join industry experts as they discuss AI’s role in design, production, environmental impact and the differing rates of adoption across music, film, gaming, fashion, and publishing — understanding the different ways that the creative industries might integrate AI into their everyday workflows.

Presented by GM Business Growth Hub

Daniella Gati, Lecturer in Creative Computing, University of Salford

Imran Farooq, CEO, MMC Learning

Jonathan Lloyd, Founder & CEO, CG Hero

Judith Ross, Senior Innovation Specialist, AI Digital and Cyber, GM Business Growth Hub

Mirage Islam, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing & Innovation Lead, University of Salford

Quays Bar

 Signal Stations invites creatives, technologists and policy-makers to explore and map plausible futures for the Creative Industries. Through interactive themed hubs—covering technology, systems, and creativity—participants identify emerging signals of change and contribute insights to The Little Book of Signals, shaping future foresight, policy, and innovation through collaborative, imaginative exploration.

Hexagon Room

Join investors, funders, and creative innovators to explore the creative industries’ investment landscape. Discover growth opportunities across the creative sector, particularly in AI and CreaTech propositions where creativity and technology converge to create scalable, sustainable, investable innovation. Meet entrepreneurs, startups, and project leads seeking investment and connect with VC firms, angel investors, private equity, grant funders, and policymakers

Free ticket, booking required:
REGISTER FOR INVESTOR NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Pier 8 Room

Apart from being a global hub for the creative industries, the base for international investment in the UK creative economy and the launchpad for some of our most diverse talent, what has London ever done for us?
So often the debate in the creative industries seems to set London and the great creative cities of the rest of the UK in opposition, in some kind of zero-sum game. This session will show it doesn’t have to be this way.
The ambition of the Universities, creative businesses and economic development agencies on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London is to create a new innovation district that not only focuses on inclusive growth for the London boroughs around the Park, but also acts as an engine for cross-UK collaboration.

Share your comments in advance of the session here: https://bit.ly/LondonBeyond 

Presented by UCL and Loughborough University London

Alexander Whitley, Artistic Director , Alexander Whitley Dance Company

Andrew Chitty, Project Director (Loughborough London), Creative Experience Lab

Bhavini Ghedia, Elevate Board Member, Elevate Board – London Legacy Development Corporation

Francesca Colloca, Head of Innovation, London Legacy Development Corporation

Kristina Glushkova, Project Director (UCL), , Creative Experience Lab

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND EXPO in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Aldridge Studio 1

How does innovation take shape in our cities, towns and regions—and how can innovation, in turn, shape the future of place? This roundtable brings together civic leaders, place-makers and researchers to explore how innovation is supported and experienced at local level. From physical spaces to community outcomes, we’ll examine what makes local innovation distinctive and how it can lead to inclusive renewal.

Presented by I-Place 25

Anna Collinge, Senior Consultant, Cities Planning and Design, Arup

Charlotte Parish, Senior Consultant, Connected Places Catapult

Holly Lewis, Co-Founding Partner,, We Made That

Joe Yates, Vice Chancellor, Wrexham University

John Merry, Chair, Key Cities

Kasper De Graaf, i-PLACE, Director

Naomi Tweddle, Leader, Lincoln City Council

Pam Donnelly, Chief Executive , Colchester City Council

Beyond Info Desk @ Pier 8

Registration is open from 8.30am. Please arrive with plenty of time to check in and collect your delegate badge. Tea and coffee and delegate cloakroom will be available on arrival.

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND EXPO in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Aldridge Studio 2

How can creative industries connect and catalyse change in our coastal regions?
Creative industries and cultural investment have the potential to create a step change for coastal communities, to diversify their economies and enhance their cultural assets. The panellists from creative industries organisations working in coastal regions will consider how cultural and creative assets in coastal regions can catalyse new futures.

Hannah Harris, Director , Plymouth Culture

Jo Morrison, Director of Digital Innovation and Research,, Calvium

Joceyln Cunningham, Director, Lancaster Arts

Kasper De Graaf, i-PLACE, Director

Katharine Willis, Professor of Smart Cities and Communities, University of Plymouth

Rebecca Madgin, Professor of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow

Thea Behrman, Artistic Director & CEO, Estuary Festival

Pier 8 RestaurantQuays Bar

Time to stretch your legs, network with fellow delegates and visit the BEYOND EXPO in the Quays Bar and the Immersive Futures Lab and Creative R&D Showcases in the Compass Room.

Hot House, MediaCity

How can CreaTech support people to ‘Live Well’? This panel begins to answer this question by exploring how Greater Manchester, the first city region in the world to declare itself a ‘creative health city region’, has embedded creativity into healthcare, prevention, and wellbeing.

Free ticket, booking required: REGISTER FOR TICKETS

Debbie Bandara, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University

Garth Williams, Director, Safety Catch Ltd

Jorge Lopes Ramos, Co-founder and Director, SIMFONIK / University of Greenwich, G.A.S. Station

Julie McCarthy, Strategic Lead for Creative Health, GMCA

Leah Greene, Head of Simulation and Senior Lecturer, University of Salford

Ralph MacKinnon, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

Hot House, MediaCity

Greater Manchester boasts a vibrant and diverse creative ecosystem, but are we unlocking its full potential? This panel brings together local businesses with the local authorities to explore how businesses expanding into the region can better leverage local talent, infrastructure, and creative services to deliver end-to-end projects that keep investment circulating within Greater Manchester.

Free ticket, booking required: REGISTER FOR TICKETS

Alisha Kadri, Founder, One Giant Leap

Gary Hilton, CEO, GAS Music

Karl Stones, Director, Zeal Creative

Marie-Claire Daly, Head of Culture, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Sally Gilford, Culture Programme Manager, Salford Culture & Place Partnership

Hot House, MediaCity

A series of fast-paced lightning talks, demos and explainers that reveal practical tips, workflow discoveries, and insider insights from professionals testing the limits of text, video, music, and multimedia generation. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and what’s possible from those putting AI to work, not just talking about it.

Free ticket, booking required: REGISTER FOR TICKETS

Florian Block, R&D Lead, AI & Immersive, dock10 / University of York

Guy Gadney, Founder & CEO, Charismatic.ai

Jocelyn Burnham, Independent AI Communicator, AI for Culture

Pete Woodbridge, R&D Innovation Manager, Music Futures

Richard Wormwell, Head of Innovation, dock10

Robyn Winfield-Smith, Theatre & Emerging Technologies Lead, Hat Trick Productions

This session explores the ongoing foresight and futures scenario research of the Royal Institute of British Architects. It provides a participatory workshop supported by presentations on futures of the practice of architecture, createch labs, futures infrastructures scenarios and  createch in built and natural environments science and the polluting impacts of media infrastructures, e-waste, rare metals and soils and biodiversity in the technical landscapes of datacentres, noise and light impacts on wildlife and machine learning in ecology. See link for more details

From 2pm (registration starts at 1:30pm). Free ticket, booking required:
REGISTER FOR DESIGN GENERATOR TICKETS

Hot House, MediaCity

Pushing boundaries in storytelling, technology and design, Day 00 of BEYOND will celebrate Salford’s next gen of digital artists who are probing and disrupting to redefine the realms of creative output in the UK.
Hosted by eminent broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake, expect to experience an exciting and inspiring mix of live performances from:
BBC 6 music and Reform radio host DJ Sophia Hadji-Michael, Short Supply, Jamie Lee-Wainman, Noelle Nurdin, WETRIP and Tamsin Middleton.
It’s a unique opportunity to experience the creative energy of Salford up close by the innovators and creators who are exploring mind mending new initiatives each day.
This is your chance to connect, share ideas and ignite groundbreaking collabs of the future.
 
Hot House, Salford. Free ticket, booking required:
REGISTER FOR CREATIVE MIXER TICKETS