09:30 - Doors Open 

 

09:30 - 10:10 Breakfast & Networking [Bar Area]

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

Please be seated by 10am ready to start at 10:10

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10:10-11:00 Welcome and thank you
 

You'll hear from our MC Josh Strife Hayes who will then introduce Andy Coley and Simran Whitham to the stage, whose idea it was to bring together this event.

 

They will be followed by the UKIE CEO Professor Nick Poole OBE for a brief welcome address

 

Before you hear from our sponsors: Chillblast, 6 Music & Sound, Staycity Aparthotel, Escape Technology and Blackmont legal.

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11:00-12:30 - First Speaker Sessions

Our first five speakers take to the iconic TEDx red dot to share their powerful ideas and unique perspectives.

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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.

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​12:30-13:15 - Lunch & Entertainment [Bar Area]

Enjoy a catered lunch while connecting with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners in a relaxed and social setting.​ with live entertainment from the main stage from 13:00 with an energetic live performance by 'The Nerd Violinist', blending popular music and pop culture soundtracks in a captivating live performance.

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13:30-15:00 - Second Speaker Sessions

The next five speakers take to the stage to deliver inspiring talks and fresh perspectives that spark new ideas and conversations.

 

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. NOTE: 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.

 

​​15:00-15:25 Afternoon Break & Networking [Bar Area]

Take a moment to recharge with refreshments and continue networking with fellow attendees and speakers in a relaxed atmosphere.

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15:25 - Feed Manchester
 

We'll hear from Feed Manchester who will let us know what they do and how you can support their work with the raffle / donations to their cause.

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15:30-17:00 Final Speaker Sessions

Our final group of speakers take to the stage, closing the day with impactful talks to share their ideas worth spreading.
 

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.

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17:00-18:00 Evening Break & Bar Opens [Bar Area]

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 Feed Manchester draw which will be taking place around 17:30 so do grab a raffle ticket.

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EVENING TICKET

If you are not booked for the evening (you need a wristband to stay past 6pm) you can easily upgrade by buying one today.   Click here to purchase an evening ticket and show your confirmation to a crew member on the registration desk to get a wristband.

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18:00 TEDxNorthernQuarter Evening Mixer [Main Stage]

​Welcome to the evening a couple of sponsor messages

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18:15 - Fireside chat with with Neil Newbon [Main Stage]

Josh Strife Hayes will be interviewing Neil about his career (and talk) and you'll have the chance to ask plenty of questions

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19:00 - The reality of making it in content creation [Main Stage]

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Henry White, Jess Wiseman, Josh Strife Hayes and Jim "Caddicarus" Caddick will be stripping back what it's really like to had millions of followers, the pressure to make content that 'works' and there will be an audience Q&A

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19:35 - Beyond the red dot: Journeys to the TEDx Stage [Main Stage]

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Charles Cecil, Shaline Manhertz, Kristianah Fasunloye, Simran Whitham and Sam Squire will be hosted by Anna Poulton-Jones of Sheridans on what it takes to make it onto the TEDx stage and what they've learnt about themselves in the process.

From 19:30 we'll also have live music from Audeo DJ in the main bar area... so plenty of the rest of the evening to soak up the vibes, the 

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