WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT THEN?
MAD//Fest is heading Up//North! We’re excited to be bringing together the iconic brands, disruptors, talented agencies, prestigious publishers, content creators + martech/adtech innovators who make up the north’s booming + distinctive industry at Manchester’s funky Factory International on 26-27 Feb.
Frankly, such a buzzing ecosystem with unique specialisms, a culture of collaboration, strong sense of community + impressive talent pool deserves a major international event that puts the north’s outstanding work, businesses + people on a global stage.
And if you’ve ever been to our multi-award-winning London show (the UK’s biggest + best marketing fest, don’t you know?), you’ll be aware that MAD//Fest isn’t your run of the mill trade show or yawn-inducing conference.
Featuring 4,000 industry leaders, superstar speakers, game changing disruptors, £20k brand innovation pitches, experiential activations, parties, DJs + entertainment, MAD//UpNorth is the new, vibrant + distinctive festival to bring together the marketing community across the north.
Interested in getting involved? Use the form below to find out more...
HOW DOES MAD//FEST WORK?
Here’s the clever bit - we start with the audience. This means creating an attendee list of the most influential brand marketers/agency execs rather than flogging a ticket to anyone who’ll buy one or diluting the proposition with a free to attend model.
We then give a huge audience of top brands/agencies inspiring content, high value networking, opportunities to source partners, fresh innovation in £20k brand challenges, entertainment, DJs, food + drink.
It sounds simple but it's a hugely effective formula that has helped MAD//Fest to become the UK’s premier marketing festival + an A-league global event contender in just 6 years of existence.
Now it’s time to take the MAD//Fest format to the north of the UK + provide a platform for people, brands + businesses to learn, connect + trade without the stiffness or inefficiency of a traditional trade show.
WHAT SETS US APART: OUR INAUGURAL THEME
Something big is brewing up north. A force in the global marketing and advertising industry to challenge the status quo is taking shape. A booming ecosystem, collaborative business culture + specialisms in areas such as retail, D2C, travel, sport, media/entertainment, content creation, tech + fashion are building strength, scale + expertise to put the north on a global stage.
But as marketers battle to engage consumers, drive growth + adapt to emerging trends, what is it that sets us apart as individuals, businesses + as an industry? How can we be distinctive, daring + different? What are we going to do to win hearts, minds + trust in an increasingly messy marketing + consumer environment?
New for 2025, MAD//UpNorth is here to celebrate the pioneering people, brands + businesses who are shaping a thriving, dynamic + cooperative marketing scene across the north.
You'll be inspired by the big brands + disruptors who are making a difference.
You'll discover the innovators who are shaking things up + taking on the big dogs.
You'll meet the community of movers + shakers who are creating a future that truly sets the north apart.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Join our waiting list + be the first to know about sponsorship/exhibition opportunities, speaking slots + tickets.