i-PLACE 25
by Key Cities Innovation Network
A unique gathering of leading-edge innovators shaping new approaches to place
PROGRAMME
Roundtable at The Lowry with city leaders, researchers, industry, and community
Civic reception hosted by Salford City Council [registration required]
Speakers’ dinner hosted by Arup [invitation only]
Day 2 – Innovation in Action
Briefing breakfast on Local Innovation Partnerships Fund [registration required]
Conference with keynote speakers from national policy and R&I strategy
and local innovation deep-dives from across the network
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
Cllr NAOMI TWEDDLE
Lincoln City Council
Prof. TONY TRAVERS
LSE London
Prof. NIC BEECH
University of Salford
Prof. REBECCA MADGIN
University of Glasgow
PAMELA DONNELLY
Colchester City Council
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
Prof. MANDY PARKINSON
University of Salford
Prof. CHRIS BENNEWITH
University of Plymouth
DAVID CLARKE
Wrexham University
Cllr HEATHER FLETCHER
Ceremonial Mayor of Salford
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
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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
