Creative Conference 2024 – Agenda

The pro-manchester Creative Conference for 2024 is sponsored by The GM Business Growth Hub Creative Manchester,  HGF and Big Partnership. Huge thanks to them.

The  agenda will follow the structure below:

  • Content Creation and Storytelling: Narrative techniques, content development, multimedia storytelling, scriptwriting, design
  • Technology & Innovation – emerging technologies
  • Marketing and Distribution: Digital marketing strategies, social media, content distribution channels, audience engagement, analytics, and monetization.

The breadth of knowledge & expertise across the speaker line up is impressive, a plethora of  experts from Manchester’s creative community, collaborating and sharing their expertise with the wider business community. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving creative sector.

Full agenda below:

09.00 – 09.30

Registration, Breakfast & Networking

09.30 – 09.45

Welcome
James Cooper – Event Host

09.35 – 09.45

Overview of current landscape – why creativity is essential to growth and the prosperity of Manchester and the Northwest
Prof. Andy Miah – The University of Salford

09.45 – 10.15

Panel: Building the Dream Team: Strategies for attracting, retaining, and upskilling talent in digital media

Host – Craig Taylor – Orakly & digitalThursday
Panel – Samantha Quinn – Agent Academy, Katy Atkinson – The Reporters Academy, Rosa Mitchell – connective3

10.15 – 10.35

Keynote 1: How to build a hit podcast
Guy Kilty – Dap Dip

This session will cover the set up and evolution of The Price of Football podcast including  an outline of the five key things Guy believes have made it successful along the way.

10.35 – 11.05

Panel: Crafting Compelling Narratives: The power of storytelling and how to build a strong brand identity
Host: Jo Scott-Truth Design
Panel: Rachel Chesters – Start Communication, Paul Hadfield – Big Partnership, Guy Kilty – Dap Dip, Rob Sethna – GM Business Growth Hub

11.05 – 11.35

Coffee break

11.35 – 11.55

Keynote 2: The Transformative Power of AI in Creative Industries
Effa Ettah – Eco System Engagement Lead – Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester

This presentation explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing creative processes, enhancing artistic expression, and driving new business models. Key topics include AI-driven creative tools, successful AI-human collaborations, and the impact of AI on the job market. Effa will address ethical considerations such as intellectual property and bias and offer predictions for the future of AI in creativity. The session will conclude with actionable insights for stakeholders to leverage AI innovations responsibly.

11.55 – 12.25

Panel: Innovate with tomorrow’s techThe role of AI and machine learning in digital marketing. How AI is transforming digital marketing strategies
Host – Peter Dickinson – KUB Digital
Panel– Sali Midjek-Conway – SMC Marketing, Mo Seedat – Google’s Digital Garage Programme, Aaron Saxton (Sax) – UA92

12.25 – 12.45

Keynote 3: Is how artificial intelligence learns a threat to creatives?
Lee Curtis, HGF 

Should the way artificial intelligence learns be treated in the way as a human? Do intellectual property laws need to be amended to protect the role of creatives and their output and how will governments balance the rights of creatives with the expanding role of AI applications in the economy? Can creatives do anything themselves to protect the appropriation of their IP by AI application providers?

 12.45 – 13.30

Lunch

13.30 – 14.00

Panel: Maximise your reach – strategies for engaging and retaining your digital audience including how to determine which platforms are right for you and your business.
Host: James Cooper
Panel:, Rosa Mitchell – connective3, Sophie Coleman– Embryo, Hannah Craig – PHA Group

14.00 – 14.20

Keynote 4: Finding Meaning in the Noise: Bridging Brands and Audiences
Dr Magdalena Marchowska-Raza – Salford Business School

In a world overwhelmed with content, consumers seek genuine connections with brands that understand their values and aspirations. This talk delves into the art of conscientious branding, exploring how subtle insights from netnography can help brands craft content that speaks to the heart of their audience, building genuine connections and lasting trust.

14.20-14.50

Panel: Social Media Mastery: Building a Loyal Audience in a Crowded Digital Space
Host: Joel Bransfield – Big Partnership
Panel – Clare Moorhouse – Moorhouse Digital, Harriet Tuite – Embryo, Alice Oakford – Social Honey

14.50 – 14.55 

Wrap up by host

14.55 – 15.00

Closing comments
Sam Booth, CEO pro-manchester

15.00 – 15.30

Coffee and Networking