HOST announced as lead sponsor for Digital City Festival

Innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology at MediaCity, has been announced as the lead sponsor of Digital City Festival 2022, where it will be hosting three flagship events.

This is the second consecutive year HOST has sponsored the festival, which is taking place as a week-long celebration from 7^th-11^th March to showcase Greater Manchester as a world-class destination for the digital community.

A diverse range of events will be taking place at the festival, with HOST focusing on the three key themes of skills, technology and innovation – brought together by the National Cyber Summit, the India Pavilion as part of the Digital City Expo and its Esports Festival.

HOST will be opening the festival with the first National Cyber Summit in the North West on Monday 7^th March at HOST Social, its stunning seventh floor venue that overlooks the digital hub of MediaCity.

In collaboration with key partners, including the Greater Manchester Cyber Security Advisory Group, it will be a celebration of Greater Manchester’s outstanding cyber security capabilities and the inclusive economic growth that this brings to the digital-city region.

The National Cyber Summit will feature a variety of inspiring panels, networking opportunities, Q&As, expos and conclude with an invite-only drinks reception from 6pm until 9pm.

The HOST India Pavilion will be held over two days at the prime exhibition space in the Digital City Expo at Manchester Central on Wednesday 9^th and Thursday 10^th March, to signify the strength of the international links between Manchester and India, which is driving digital innovation and uniting public and private sectors to strengthen trade, investment, cultural and educational ties.

The India Pavilion will showcase five of India’s best, high growth, tech companies – Clay Logix, NeoSOFT Technologies, Prospecta Technologies, GoodBits Tech and Sierra ODC – all of which are receiving growth support from HOST through its contract with the Indian government.

HOST is offering a unique opportunity for organisations to exhibit in the space alongside these fast-growing technology companies, with sponsor partners receiving a 2x2m booth within the pavilion and the chance to take part in a 45-minute panel discussion in the 200-seat keynote theatre. This will allow exhibitors to collaborate with thought leaders, innovators and disruptors who are committed to strengthening the ties between Manchester and India, forging economic growth and meaningful partnerships.

On Friday 11^th March, HOST in partnership with Esports Insider, will bring its inaugural Esports Festival to MediaCity with the renowned ESI breakfast club, a series of roundtables, panel discussions and networking events to celebrate the phenomenal growth of the esports industry and the career opportunities it offers.

To round off the festival, HOST will also be running a Women in Esports tournament on Saturday 12^th March for anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary to come together in a safe, inclusive and accessible space to share in their collective passion for video games, digital technology and competitive gaming.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, operator of HOST, said: “We are proud to once again be sponsoring the Digital City Festival, which serves as the perfect platform to bring together all the amazing technology companies and growing digital communities we have in the region.

“At the heart of the festival is collaboration and it is only through expanding our networks that we can drive the prosperity that technology and innovation can bring. It is incredibly important that everyone has fair access to digital technology and the opportunities it provides, only then can we deliver sustainable prosperity in the regions and unlock the immense potential of local talent.”

Opportunities are now open to become part of HOST’s programme of events and anyone interested in being a sponsor can contact Rebecca McGoff, Head of Partnerships at rebecca@in4group.co.uk