i-PLACE 25
by Key Cities Innovation Network
A unique gathering of leading-edge innovators shaping new approaches to place
PROGRAMME
Wednesday 26 November: 2–3.30 pm
The Shape of Things to Come
Extended roundtable and audience discussion about how innovation takes shape in different places – and how, in turn, innovation can shape the places and communities in which it is embedded.
In partnership with BEYOND Conference. Venue: Studio 1, Lowry, MediaCity M50 3AZ
Thursday 27 November: 10 am–4.30 pm
Innovation in Action Conference
Keynote speakers from national policy and R&I strategy
and local innovation deep-dives from across the network.
Venue: University of Salford at MediaCity, Orange Tower, MediaCity, M50 2HE
Selected projects will be published in our third peer-reviewed compendium of place-based innovation,
launching at the parliamentary dinner in April 2026
Dr TONY SAMPSON
University of Essex
Cllr JOHN MERRY
Chair of Key Cities
AMY CARROLL
Arup
Prof. ANDY SALMON
Bath Spa University
IMOGEN ROBERTSON
Medway Culture
Prof. TONY TRAVERS
LSE London
Prof. NIC BEECH
University of Salford
Prof. REBECCA MADGIN
University of Glasgow
CORAL GRAINGER
GM Colleges
LAURA DYER
Arts Council England
Dr NATHAN JONES
Lancaster University
ANNA COLLINGE
Arup
Prof. JOE YATES
Wrexham University
CHARLOTTE PARISH
Connected Places Catapult
AUDRA GILL
Arts & Humanities
Research Council
HOLLY LEWIS
We Made That
JAMES CUSHING
Connected Places Catapult
ALBI LAMAJ
Coventry University
NINA RUDDLE
Wrexham University
STEPHEN YOUNG
Salford City Council
Dr ANISA KABIR ABDULFATAH
University of Salford
JACK KENNEDY
University of Southampton
ANTHONY HATTON
MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub
Prof. PRATHIVADI ANAND
University of Bradford
PAUL DENNETT
City Mayor of Salford
ELAINE HAYES
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
CLEO NEWCOMBE-JONES
Bath & North East Somerset Council
KASPER de GRAAF
i-PLACE / Images&Co
Prof. MANDY PARKINSON
University of Salford
Prof. CHRIS BENNEWITH
University of Plymouth
DHARMA NURSE
GM Business Growth Hub
Cllr HEATHER FLETCHER
Ceremonial Mayor of Salford
DAVID LEVENE
Innovation Greater Manchester
Prof. RICHARD FITTON
Energy House,
University of Salford
REBECCA LONG-BAILEY MP
Chair of the Key Cities APPG
Dr LIAM SUTTON
University of Bradford
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THEME
“Innovation Districts and Ecosystems: How does innovation drive resilience and growth in cities and towns all over the UK?”
INNOVATION PARTNERS
PROGRAMME PARTNERS
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
KEY CITIES INNOVATION NETWORK
