A week after the conference we reflect on BEYOND 2024 and review some of the positive feedback we’ve received so far.
This year, in Salford, BEYOND 2024 felt special.
This was the conference’s first visit to the North West, and Greater Manchester provided the perfect setting to reflect on the innovative potential of Creative Cities, and how we build and strengthen these for a better, more creative future.
BEYOND 2024 was proud to have both Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford as speakers, reflecting on the transformation in Greater Manchester’s creative economy, and looking ahead to the future. “This is the UK’s creative capital”, said Andy Burnham. Paul Dennett concluded that, ‘through collaboration, we can create boundless opportunities for the creative industries and inspire the next generation of innovators.’
MediaCity itself hosted, with contributions from all our excellent local partners, the BEYOND Fringe on Monday evening, in what was a truly exciting, colourful and impressive opening event for BEYOND 2024. It kicked off the conference in style and created a fantastic buzz.
BEYOND welcomed a host of creative leaders, learners, innovators and makers, many from across Salford and Greater Manchester, and many from all over the UK, but also from around the globe. As usual, BEYOND was an international conference, hosting speakers and delegates from many continents, to bring depth and new ideas to every conversation, whether on stage, or over a coffee.
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. The BEYOND team has been overwhelmed by the positive comments and reflections shared by so far. Here are just some of the comments shared with us on LinkedIn:
“Really enjoyed BEYOND Conference at Lowry yesterday. Felt proud that it was hosted here in Greater Manchester and great to see BBC colleagues taking part. We’ve always known this is a creative city, but it was great to hear this discussed with national and international visitors.
As well as the clear economic impact of the industry, I was heartened to hear conversations about the role creativity and culture plays in wellbeing, bringing communities together and joy – things we all want in our places ❤️”
Josie Cahill, Head of Partnerships and Engagement, BBC Salford
“We’ve had a brilliant time at the 2024 at MediaCityUK! Great to meet so many interesting people and companies who are doing brilliant things to blend technology and creativity” ✨️
Tiny Dragon Productions
“Honoured to have spoken at BEYOND yesterday as part of the Spotlight: Cityscapes & Creative Minds section of the day. Elated to speak on behalf of creatives in Manchester & Salford. I hope this is the first of many.”
Corey Brown, Beatmaker, Producer, Songwriter, Rapper
“What an incredible 3 days; so much talent, creativity, imagination, and innovation.We have been bowled over by the energy, enthusiasm, and spirit of collaboration that has come together to make the BEYOND Conference such a success.See you next time!”
Professor Andy Miah, University of Salford
“Wow, what an incredible experience at the BEYOND Conference, hosted in MediaCityUK .Hats off to the amazing hosts and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. The conference was an amazing opportunity to reconnect with so many familiar faces and engage in meaningful conversations.”
Amira Ahmed, Director of Academic Learning at IN4.0 Group
“I am back in Brum and back in the office after two wonderful days at MediaCityUK. It was a wonderful opportunity, and privilege, to share our work alongside fellow VR/AR/XR pioneers. The caliber of work on display was phenomenal, and Phil and I both came away from the event beaming knowing that Virtual Decisions is beginning to be recognised in such influential circles of expertise.”
Jessica Melia, Head of Digital Communications, Virtual Decisions
“Aaaaand that brings BEYOND Conference to a close 🥳 It was an incredible opportunity to witness the cutting-edge innovations shaping industries like AI, VR, Game Dev, and Media Production. The event was a showcase of creativity and forward-thinking projects that inspire us all to push boundaries and reimagine what’s possible.”
Mohamed Elmejrab, PhD Student (Gamified Live Music)
“As the event closed, what was clear, is what lies beyond, BEYOND is an immense opportunity for the creative industries to further grow and flourish.”
MediaCityUK
“BEYOND Conference was fabulous this year. Creative business themes rocked throughout.”
Gill Wildman, Upstarter Incubator
“Saluting BEYOND Conference for a great 2024 edition […] There were so many excellent speakers that name-checking them all would involve a copy-and-paste of the programme…”
Hilary Knight, Cultural Consultant
“On our way back from an inspiring BEYOND Conference […] It’s wonderful to be a part of this engaging, creative and talented community, and we can’t wait for the next event.”
StoryLab Research Institute
“Very inspiring to hear about exciting uses of new tech and innovation in creative industries. However my fav aspect of these events is catching up with collaborators at other organisations in an informal setting, equally excited to meet and network with other potential collaborators. The future is bright for the UK and Wales.”
Toby Cameron, Founder On-Par.
“I was at BEYOND yesterday and met with the incredible women from Calico who have created a VR training tool about safety for women in public spaces. It’s amazing!”
Jude Kelly, CBE
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