Looking to stay ahead? Well, then it’s time to join the conversation!
Below is a curated list of industry events, perfect for those working in, or looking to get into the digital, marketing, creative, product and tech industries. There is huge value in being part of these shared experiences. Each event a different flavour, but all offer the opportunity to taste the sweetness of sparking ideas that shape careers.
We’ll be updating the list throughout the year, so bookmark this page and keep checking in. Remember, levelling up starts with showing up.
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Career Comedown with Stefanie Sword-Williams
28 January | London
eventbrite.com/e/major-players-presents-career-comedown-with-stefanie-sword-williams
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or wondering when work became… this? If you’re questioning what’s next, craving clarity, or simply wanting to care a little less and live a little more, then this event is for you. Join an energising evening with award-winning author Stephanie Sword-Williams to celebrate the launch of her new book, ‘Career Comedown: what to do when work isn't working for you’.
Coolr Sessions: Social Secrets for Retail
29 January | London
eventbrite.co.uk/e/coolr-sessions-social-secrets-for-retail-tickets
If you’re interested in how social is actually driving impact for retailers, this panel will be unpacking it all. Leave with fresh insight into the ways retailers are building brand equity, how they are finding their communities, social commerce and more.
Hosted at Canva: Creative Town Hall - Start Already
4 February | London
eventbrite.co.uk/e/hosted-at-canva-creative-town-hall-start-already-tickets
The evening will be a celebration of the new era of indie start-ups and the creative founders bold enough to build something of their own. Expect a candid roundtable featuring creatives swapping stories, sharing hard-won lessons, and answering burning industry questions.
Audiences Amplified by Data
5 February | Leeds
eventbrite.com/e/audiences-amplified-by-data-the-digital-leaders-collective-tickets
Want to know what happened behind the scenes when brands turned insight into impact? Then join this event by Black Lab to make smarter decisions that will deliver results across every stage of the funnel. Expect sharp insight and an open discussion on how data can empower marketing teams to act faster, think bigger, and connect better.
The Big Creative UK Investment Summit
17 February | London
summit.wearecreative.uk
A landmark event, hosted by TV’s Steph McGovern, celebrating the extraordinary investment potential which lies within the UK’s Creative Industries. Expect a day of bold conversations, dynamic pitching, and insightful networking, all while exploring exciting investment opportunities in the sector.
AI & Automation - Efficient Business Operations
25 February | London
aiautomationconference.com
Discover how to build smarter, safer and more scalable AI solutions. This industry-led conference and networking exhibition is designed to demystify AI and automation through lessons learned from adoption use cases. This is the best place to learn how to future-proof your business with ethical and human-centric solutions that will boost operations.
Go To Market Uncovered Live 2026
25 February | London
eventbrite.co.uk/e/go-to-market-uncovered-live-2026-tickets
Trade guesswork for proven strategies and real insights on how to GTM like a pro. Designed to be an action-led, community-powered event focused on sharing what’s actually working for high-growth teams. If you’re looking to strengthen your GTM strategy in 2026, this will help you do just that.
MAD//North
25 - 26 February | Manchester
www.madfestlondon.com/north
Join 4,000+ of the most influential brands, agencies, publishers, content creators and tech platforms as they take over multiple venues to a vibrant and funky festival. Expect innovation and ideas from the most iconic industry leaders on how to future-proof with flair.
Digital FMCG
3 - 4 March | London
fmcg.wbresearch.com
Competing for the attention of demanding consumers requires advanced tools to showcase products and win shoppers. To learn from those who deploy the best tech and processes, connect with other digital leaders working from the UK’s and Europe’s top FMCG brands. This event will give you concrete takeaways to implement immediately.
Marketing Camp Conference: The Storytellers
5 March | Oxford
www.marketingcamp.uk/conference
Learn how to spot, shape, and share great stories in your marketing work - because stories are how all humans connect. Through 10 talks, the line-up of smart and down-to-earth speakers will help you develop your brand story, and also dig into what good storytelling looks like in the AI era. Even in 2026, storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools we’ve got in marketing.
brightonSEO
30 April - 1 May | Brighton
brightonseo.com/events/april-2026
If you're a search marketer, uncover exactly how to do your job a little better at the world’s biggest search conference. The event brings together a friendly, curious, and sharp crowd so every attendee can learn and grow alongside the best in the business. Expect top-tier talks from search experts and hands-on training, all delivered on a global stage.
Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo™
11 - 12 May | London
www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/marketing-symposium-uk
Tackle priorities including customer experience strategy, marketing technology and analytics, and data management at the world’s most important gathering of CMOs and Marketing Executives. Discover exactly what you need to drive large-scale growth in your organisation.
Northern Marketing Festival
12 - 14 May | Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester
www.prolificnorth.co.uk/northern-marketing-festival
Join the biggest celebration of marketing and creativity in the North - the festival brings together the region’s brightest minds for a week of insight, ideas, and inspiration. Beyond showcasing the exceptional talent producing marvellous work, you can also enjoy engaging and thought-provoking talks unpacking the changing landscape of marketing.
Youth Marketing Strategy 2026
21 May | London
www.wearepion.com/event/yms-ldn
YMS will once again bring together the brightest minds and most relevant brands shaping the youth marketing landscape. Designed for the next-gen learning where marketers, creators, strategists and brand builders work together towards tomorrow. Hear directly from a diverse mix of young people and walk away with a clear action plan of how to engage youth audiences entering the marketplace.
SXSW London
1 - 6 June | London
www.sxswlondon.com
The global platform where ideas ignite, industries converge, and the future takes shape. More than a festival of ideas, SXSW London is a catalyst for bold thinking and real-world impact. It’s where open debate fuels discovery, so join to experience how unexpected conversations spark collaboration and culture.
UK Creative Festival
1 - 2 July | Margate
www.ukcreativefestival.co.uk
Connect with the brightest minds in advertising, design, music, film, tech and more through curated networking opportunities. The UK Creative Festival is the perfect space to supercharge your creativity - equipping you to turn your best ideas into impact.
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Check out these events and choose one to attend. Whether it’s your first or 1000th industry event, lifelong learning is paramount amid the rapid technological development. If you want to either advertise or partner with us for an upcoming event, please reach out to talk@majorplayers.co.uk.
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