BEYOND conference

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS R&D

BEYOND is a unique, annual gathering of current and future innovators focused on Research and Development across the Creative Industries. It’s a conference where thinkers, makers, investors and researchers across the creative industries come together to explore the relationship between creative research and business innovation.

Now in its 7th year, it has proved successful in showcasing individuals, teams and organisations powering ground-breaking projects and creative clusters both in the UK and globally. It draws positive feedback from its delegates and attracts a high number of regular visitors from around the world.

Previous events have been held in London and Cardiff, hosting a wealth of leading industry speakers, including actor and activist Michael Sheen and ABBA Voyage producer, Svana Gisla. The conference features the Immersive Futures Lab, giving innovators a platform to put exciting XR prototypes, many featuring the latest VR and AR technologies, into the hands of new audiences and tell the stories behind their work.

PROGRAMME (25-27th NOVEMBER)

For its 7th year, BEYOND will take place at MediaCity, with live-streaming available online too. Another carefully curated programme of R&D creative innovation will deliver expert speakers, ground-breaking projects, R&D showcases, and programming from BEYOND partners, around our 2024 theme of Creative Cities.

EXPERT SPEAKERS

BEYOND has a reputation for presenting an inspiring line-up of speakers from across the creative industries, and 2024 will deliver a similarly impressive programme. Details to be announced soon.

2024 THEME

City Stories. Influential Leaders. Bold Strategies. Game Plans. Creative Policies.

BEYOND 2024 comes from MediaCity, Salford where the last decade has seen a transformation of Greater Manchester’s creative economy into a cornerstone of the north west’s economic and cultural identity.

This year, MediaCity’s story, set against the backdrop of a new era in UK government, will serve as a launch pad to explore the innovative potential of Creative Cities.

BEYOND will dive into the essence of what makes a world-leading creative city with compelling stories  from the UK and around the world. Discover the different catalysts used to build and nurture these creative ecosystems. We’ll explore the essential building blocks and the game plans that have brought creative cities to life, we’ll hear how innovation can flourish, and how technology will shape our future city regions. We’ll delve into the vital roles of our creative networks, hubs, cultural and research institutions, talent pipelines, networks, policy and culture.

We will look at the rise of cities in new places, and at those with big creative futures, examining how creativity will help face down the challenges of change. We’ll hear propositions for how creativity in cities will respond to the fast pace of population, environmental, and technological change.

This year, BEYOND’s largest ever showcases will feature cutting-edge prototype projects and innovative R&D in the Immersive Futures Lab, alongside a new addition, the Creative R&D Expo, with the latter highlighting innovation from the full breadth of the creative industries.

The Immersive Futures Lab will allow visitors to experience innovative projects that use Virtual Reality, Spatial Audio, Augmented Reality, AI and Machine Learning, FashionTech, MusicTech, MedTech, Sustainability & EcoTech, CreaTech, Mixed Reality, Games Engines, XR and more, in their creation.

Join thinkers, makers, investors, policymakers and researchers from across the creative industries at MediaCity, Salford, for this very special conference.

Be a part of the conversation at BEYOND 2024.

BEYOND IN SALFORD

This year, the conference comes to Salford in Greater Manchester, where it will showcase the innovative potential of Creative Cities, giving a platform to the creative brilliance and bold visions within our city regions.

Salford has experienced significant growth in a relatively short space of time. Sustained GVA, productivity and innovation – the hallmarks of a high value, mature and diverse economy – continues to perform well and over the past five years, Salford has recorded the highest GVA growth increase and employment growth across Greater Manchester.

MediaCity, in Salford Quays is home to over 250 creative and tech businesses including some of the world’s largest media and tech brands, including BBC, ITV, Ericsson and dock10. It’s home to MediaCity’s Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub, the Greater Manchester innovation cluster for immersive tech, virtual production, esports, and gametech, funded by Innovate UK, and to the University of Salford’s dedicated MediaCity campus. MediaCity is set to double in size in the next decade with a £1bn expansion.

Read more in our press release: ‘BEYOND partners with Salford’s creative leaders to bring 2024 event to MediaCity’.

WHY ATTEND?

A unique, annual gathering of current and future innovators, BEYOND is a rare space for businesses in and supporting the creative sector, as well as academics and researchers across the Creative Industries. Delegates enjoy a unique opportunity to: CONNECT with future collaborators, innovators, researchers and funders; EXPLORE pioneering R&D projects across the UK’s Creative Industries; ENGAGE with the global conversation on innovation, creativity & opportunity. Join BEYOND 2024 for:

3 DAYS OF BEYOND

• Enjoy activities such as local tours, company demos, performances, networking, VIP drinks and dinner, and programme launches on Day 0, followed by a packed programme of lively in-person and online sessions including keynotes, roundtables, showcases, demos and more on Days 1 and 2.

INNOVATIVE SPEAKERS

• From established names to exciting new voices, a diverse range of perspectives from the UK and beyond.

CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH

• Explore the very latest R&D in the showcase and poster exhibitions with the world’s top creative researchers

NETWORK WITH EXPERTS

• 500+ delegates with ample networking opportunities across the programme, plus speaker’s and delegates dinner (optional extra)

PARTNER PROGRAMMING

• Exciting, innovative and thought-provoking programming from BEYOND’s partners including conference sessions, workshops and expo.

BEYOND 2024 is proud to be supported by its Programme Partner, British Council, together with Local Partners Salford City Council, MediaCity, and University of Salford.

TICKETS

Early Bird tickets to BEYOND 2024 are on sale now click here.

These are priced at £399 + VAT for a limited time and include full access to BEYOND Conference and its showcases. Full price tickets will be available following the Early Bird sale.

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STAY TUNED

For more information on the programme, speakers and agenda, stay tuned to the BEYOND newsletter for updates and follow our social channels for the latest news.