Salford backs BEYOND Conference as it returns to MediaCity in 2025

BEYOND, the leading conference dedicated to research and innovation in the creative industries, is returning to Salford for its 8th annual conference from Monday 24 November to Wednesday 26 November.

After the success of last year’s event – which saw a 120% increase in overall attendance – the University is backing its return alongside local partners MediaCity and Salford City Council.

Last year’s conference provided a platform for showcasing Greater Manchester’s cultural energy, creativity, and innovation, and its importance as one of the UK’s most exciting places for creative research and development.

The conference continues to attract world-renowned speakers, researchers and artists every year and has previously featured Svana Gisala, producer of the hugely successful ABBA Voyage attraction and actor and activist Michael Sheen. It also offers the Immersive Futures Lab, which provides attendees with hands-on experience with cutting-edge XR prototypes, and the Creative R&D Expo, sharing the latest research and its impact.

A host of fringe, speaker and showcase conference events will take place across MediaCity’s studios and spaces, our campus building and The Lowry.

This year, the conference has launched its Emerging Innovators Awards to spotlight diverse young talent in creative research with winners gaining free tickets, exclusive networking opportunities and expert support from within BEYOND’s expansive network to help accelerate their careers.

Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the BEYOND Conference as it returns to MediaCity this November.

“This is a tremendously exciting time for Salford’s creative sector with the city at the forefront of a creative, digital and media transformation that has been spurred on by the success of MediaCity over the last decade.

“The University is very proud to have played its part in this success through our research, education and our knowledge exchange as we support emerging innovators to bring their business to market through the MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub.

“BEYOND’s decision to return to Salford shows just how far the city has come as a thriving creative hub that is bristling with talent and innovation and is ready to play its part in shaping the future of the creative sectors nationally and internationally.”

Martin Chown, Managing Director of MediaCity, said: “Hosting BEYOND at MediaCity was a resounding success – attracting a global audience while enabling us to showcase the world class creative innovation and talent being developed withing MediaCity and Salford. We’re committed to building on the success of last year’s conference while flying the flag for Salford and our incredible talent on a global scale.”

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sport and Leisure at Salford City Council, said: “It was an honour to welcome BEYOND to the city for last year’s event, and now be confirming the return of the conference to Salford in 2025 is really exciting. 

"Hosting again provides us with an opportunity to build on what was achieved in 2024 and once again gives us a platform to truly shout about the amazing things happening here in Salford! It’s about continuing to champion our thriving creative sector, showcasing the city’s talent to professional from across the world, and shouting about how important creative industries are to our city.

“I know it’s unusual for a city to host more than once, so I’m please that the team clearly felt we were gracious hosts, embraced the experience last year, and we obviously did something right to encourage them to return!”

The theme for this year’s conference is still under wraps with more information on it and speakers to follow in the coming months.