Event Schedule
See the official TEDx NorthernQuarter conference schedule.
Join us for an inspiring day of thought-provoking talks, and stay for our evening social mixer to connect with fellow attendees. See the full event timings below.
09:30-10:10
Breakfast & Networking:
Kick off the day with breakfast and informal networking. Meet fellow attendees, chat with the speakers, and soak in the excitement as the main TEDx event builds momentum.
10:10-11:00
Welcome Address
UKIE CEO Nick Poole OBE, along with the TEDxNorthernQuarter organising team, opens the event with a warm welcome and introduction.
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Opening Remarks
Our Master of Ceremonies, Josh Strife Hayes, takes the stage to kick things off and guide us through an inspiring day of talks and ideas.
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We'll also hear from our amazing sponsors as well
11:00-12:30
First Speaker Session
Our first five speakers (Nicola, Keon, Charles, Simran and Bach) take to the iconic TEDx stage to share their powerful ideas and unique perspectives.
12:30-13:15
Lunch & Networking:
Enjoy a catered lunch while connecting with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners in a relaxed and social setting.
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Live Entertainment:
Enjoy an energetic live performance by The Nerd Violinist, blending popular music and pop culture soundtracks in a captivating live performance.
13:30-15:00
Second Speaker Session:
The next five speakers (Neil, Stephen, Mollie, Henry plus Shaline & Kristianah) take to the stage to deliver inspiring talks and fresh perspectives that spark new ideas and conversations.
15:00-15:30
Afternoon Break & Networking:
Take a moment to recharge with refreshments and continue networking with fellow attendees and speakers in a relaxed atmosphere.
15:30-17:00
Final Speaker Session:
Our final group of speakers (Jim, Joe, Emma, Jess and finally Sam) takes to the red stage, closing the day with impactful talks to share their ideas worth spreading.
17:00-18:00
Evening Break & Bar Opens:
Take a short break as the bar opens and we begin preparations for the evening social mixer. Relax, refresh, and get ready to unwind with fellow attendees.
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You'll also have the chance to grab some raffle tickets for the FeedManchester draw which will be taking place.
18:00-22:00
TEDxNorthernQuarter Evening Mixer:
The bar opens and the evening event kicks off with more live entertainment, speaker Q&A sessions, music and the chance to socialise.
We have a fireside chat with Neil Newbon, with the chance for you to ask questions, followed by an intimate creators chat with Josh Strife Hayes, Jim "Caddicarus" Caddick, Henry White and Jess Wiseman plus speakers such as Charles Cecil, Shaline/Kristianah, Simran and others sharing some of their insights as well in a more relaxed fashion.
Plus we have live music from Audeo DJ and much more lined up for the evening!
Speaker Sessions
Morning Session
Nicola Barke : Not Just Fists
World champion fighter Nicola shares how resilience and knowing when to change direction create success in and out of the ring.
Professor Keon West : Nonsense and Meaning in DEI
A revealing look at how much of what we think works in DEI is based on assumptions - and how to tell real impact from empty talk.
Charles Cecil MBE
Celebrated game designer and co-founder of Revolution Software, Charles will share insights from three decades shaping the narrative adventure genre.
Simran Whitham : Bring the Vibes. Bring the Tribe: Finding your Community
How grassroots events fight loneliness and disconnection by bringing people together to dance, play, and celebrate.
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Bach Nguyen : The Art of Disobedience: Choosing Creativity Over Expectation
Breaking through family expectations as an Asian creative, Bach shares his journey growing up in a strict household and choosing creativity over conformity.
After Lunch Session
Neil Newbon : How Performance Capture Saved My Life
From struggling in TV and film to thriving in games, Neil’s story is about following your gut to find fulfilment and balance.
Stephen Morris : Living Life Playfully
Why play isn’t just for kids, and four simple ways adults can bring more creativity, connection, and joy into everyday life.
03.09.25 NEWSFLASH - THIS TALK WILL BE PRERECORDED DUE TO STEPHEN NO LONGER BEING ABLE TO JOIN US LIVE
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Henry White : The Power of the Underdog
How creators turn bedroom hobbies into global entertainment brands by embracing curiosity, breaking limits, and staying relatable.
Mollie Balshaw : We’re so busy being productive, we forget to imagine what’s possible
Why reclaiming imagination is essential for liberation in a world obsessed with productivity.
Shaline Manhertz & Kristianah Fasunloye : The MAGIC That Makes Partnerships Thrive
A five-part framework for building partnerships that succeed - in business, creativity, and life.
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Final Session
Jim "Caddicarus" Caddick : Content Discontent
Exploring how overusing the word “content” affects creativity in online spaces, told through Jim’s unique YouTube journey.
Joe Brammer : More Screen Time Please
Challenging the myth that video games harm kids, Joe argues they’re powerful tools for creativity, social growth, and problem-solving.
Emma Henderson MBE : The World is on Fire
How to navigate turbulence with clarity and confidence using a simple structure for decision-making when the world feels overwhelming.
Jessica Wiseman : Learn Fast Enough to Stay Human
In the AI age, human effort and curiosity are the real competitive advantages - Jess shares how to keep your creative fingerprints in the work.
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Sam Squire : It Takes a Nation to raise a Child
Nearly one million young people in the UK are economically inactive and labelled a “crisis.” Sam Squire challenges this narrative, reframing them as our greatest untapped treasure.
