BEYOND Conference returns to MediaCity

Following the success of last year’s event, BEYOND Conference returns to Greater Manchester’s thriving hub of creative research and innovation.

BEYOND, the leading conference dedicated to research and innovation in the creative industries, is set to shine a light on regional talent as it brings its 8th conference to MediaCity, Salford from November 24–26 2025.

After the success of last year’s event – which saw a 120% increase in overall attendance – Salford City Council, MediaCity, and University of Salford have committed to supporting BEYOND 2025.

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 Northwest is one of the key regions for investment under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Create Growth Programme, with Greater Manchester listed as one of the regions for DCMS Create Growth Programme funding.

Alongside world-renowned speakers, researchers and artists, BEYOND Conference is known for unearthing pioneers from the creative industries at the forefront of research and innovation. It gathers a diverse, international audience — all focused on shaping the future of the creative industries.

Previous editions have featured major names such as actor and activist Michael Sheen and Svana Gisla, producer of ABBA Voyage. Other standout features include the Immersive Futures Lab, which offer attendees hands-on experience with cutting-edge XR prototypes, and the Creative R&D Expo, sharing the latest research and its impact.

The theme for this year’s conference is still under wraps but BEYOND has already announced two exciting new features for 2025.

It will launch its inaugural Emerging Innovators Awards, spotlighting diverse young talent in creative research. Winners will gain free tickets, exclusive networking opportunities, and expert support from within BEYOND’s expansive network to accelerate their careers.

The conference is also launching an enhanced networking app which will offer delegates custom profiles, scheduling, matchmaking, and 1-2-1 meeting slots—empowering connections before, during, and after the event.

This year’s conference in Salford will include a host of fringe, speaker, and showcase events within MediaCity’s studios and spaces, University of Salford’s MediaCity campus, and Lowry.

As the UK home of broadcasting, future media and immersive technologies – MediaCity is made up of more than 250 creative and tech companies, the UK’s leading studios – dock10 and global brands such as the BBC and ITV.

MediaCity’s Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH) the Greater Manchester innovation cluster for immersive tech, virtual production, esports, and gametech, the Home of Skills & Technology (HOST) are driving skills and tech innovation while The University of Salford’s dedicated MediaCity campus ensures a talent pipeline feeds into its thriving ecosystem.

Martin Chown, Managing Director 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 within 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.”

Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Salford, said:  “We are delighted to be partnering with the BEYOND Conference as they return 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 businesses 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.”

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure at Salford City Council, said:  “It was an honour to welcome BEYOND to the city for last year’s event, and now to 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 professionals 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 pleased 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!”

BEYOND 2025