Northern Marketing Festival 2026: Leeds Event Agenda Unveiled
The Northern Marketing Festival 2026 has officially revealed its highly anticipated Leeds agenda, promising a day packed with expert insights, innovative marketing strategies, and opportunities for networking. This year, the Leeds leg will bring together top marketers, strategists, and brand leaders at Aspire Leeds on May 13, offering attendees a deep dive into the latest marketing trends and practical approaches for brand success.
Keynote Speakers and Sessions to Watch
The event kicks off with a warm welcome to all festival attendees, setting the stage for a day of learning and collaboration. Leading the morning is Dom Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at Embryo, who will present a session titled “Reaching the Unreachable”—providing actionable advice on connecting with hard-to-reach audiences and unlocking new avenues for engagement.
Food and drink marketing takes center stage with a panel featuring strategy advisor and former Yorkshire Tea marketer Dom Dwight alongside Matt Carr of Carr’s Pastries. Their discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities within the FMCG sector, highlighting how data-driven audience strategy and authentic storytelling can fuel brand growth.
Case Studies and Real-World Insights
Another highlight on the Leeds agenda is a case study session featuring IMA, Harringtons, and CHILLI. Jess Kaye (Business Director at CHILLI), Claire Bradley (Creative Director at IMA), and Sascha Macchi (Head of Marketing at Harringtons) will explore how the pet food brand has achieved marketing success “without compromise.” This session promises to deliver practical examples of how brands can remain authentic while scaling their outreach, a key aspect in today’s competitive landscape of marketing trends.
Audience Strategy Versus Algorithms
Rob Shaw, CEO of HUB, joins Jorvik Tricycles founder James Walker for a thought-provoking discussion on why prioritizing audience over algorithm is crucial when digital-only strategies plateau. Their insights will resonate with marketers seeking sustainable, human-centric approaches in an age dominated by automated targeting and big data.
Creative Priorities and Social-First Content
Jay Dickinson, Founder of Ginger Fury, will address the challenge of prioritizing ideas in the fast-paced world of marketing. His session, “Marketing isn’t short of ideas – it’s short of priorities,” will help attendees focus on what really drives impact. Additionally, Channel 4 will introduce its new social-first food and drink channel, “Channel 4 Served,” showcasing the need for brands to adapt to evolving marketing trends in social media and content marketing.
Innovative Advertising and AI in Marketing
The afternoon brings fresh perspectives from Uber Advertising Regional Team Lead Bill Dennett, who will discuss transforming everyday movement into brand momentum. Following this, Definition’s AI Director Luke Budka and Head of Language Nick Padmore will take the stage with “Stop the Slop – How to Stand Out in a Sea of Mediocrity,” exploring how brands can use AI and creative language to cut through noise and capture attention.
The event’s brand keynote will be delivered by Tiger Sheds, Champions Awards shortlisters, rounding off a day dedicated to the most current marketing trends and forward-thinking strategies.
Networking Opportunities and Closing Remarks
The Leeds event concludes with closing remarks and a dedicated drinks reception, giving attendees the chance to connect with peers, speakers, and industry leaders. Whether you’re seeking the latest marketing insights, looking to expand your network, or interested in the future of digital and social content, the Northern Marketing Festival’s Leeds agenda offers something for everyone focused on marketing trends.
Event Details and Registration
The Leeds edition of the Northern Marketing Festival 2026 takes place at Aspire Leeds on May 13, from 9am until 3:45pm. This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving marketing landscape driven by new technologies, creative innovation, and audience-first strategies.
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