Marketing event MAD//Fest, part of The Ingenuity Group, has officially announced the inaugural MAD/UpNorth, taking place on 26-27 February 2025 in Manchester. Sponsored by GroupM, the theme of the event will be ‘what sets us apart.’
Across the two days, marketing professionals from the North of England and Scotland will be invited to Factory International to engage in content from speakers representing brands such as Johnnie Walker and Irn Bru.
These speakers will present their content on a main Factory Stage, as well as Media + Tech and Creativity + Social stages.
“We’ve now turned our attention to the booming industry outside of London. The demand for a large-scale festival that reflects the needs, interests and market dynamics of the North has convinced us that MAD//UpNorth is the next logical launch for MAD//Fest and we can’t wait to help connect the ecosystem this February,” said Ian Houghton, MAD//Fest Co-founder and Commercial Lead.
“We’re creating a destination festival that showcases exceptional work and innovation taking place all across the North.”
MAD/Fest Co-founder Dan Brain added: “We’re pretty excited about this one. Attendees of our very first MAD//UpNorth will be in for something special. They’ll be inspired by the big brands and disruptors who are making a difference. They’ll discover the innovators who are rewriting the rules. And they’ll meet the community of movers and shakers who are creating a future that truly sets the North apart.”
MAD//Fest launched in London in 2018 and now welcomes more than 12,000 attendees to its annual festival. Earlier this year, it was acquired by The Ingenuity Group.
The first MAD//UpNorth speakers announced include:
- AO World Founder and CEO John Roberts
- Ogilvy Vice-chair Rory Sutherland
- Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director Jennifer English
- Co-op Chief Membership & Customer Officer Kenyatte Nelson
- Irn Bru Marketing Director Lucy Henderson
- The Very Group CMO Jessica Myers
