The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is delighted to announce Co-op Live as the headline sponsor and new venue for the CIM North West committee’s flagship regional marketing conference: Marketing in the Northern Powerhouse, taking place on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.
Marketing leaders take to the stage
Bringing together 200 marketing professionals from across the North, the event will explore the strategies, technologies, and leadership approaches shaping the future of marketing in the region. Now recognised as a standout event in the Northern marketing calendar, the conference offers a unique platform for learning, connection, and inspiration.
Featuring voices from leaders across marketing, media and technology, the conference will offer a rich mix of insight, inspiration and practical takeaways for marketers at every stage of their career.
Speakers include:
- Dr Marina Hauer – Brand Builder in Chief, Apricity Studio
- Imran Farooq – AI Expert and Course Director, CIM
- Mercè Cozens (FCIM) – Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Think Beyond
- Penelope Silver – Teacher, Manchester Digital
- Adil Ladha (MCIM) – Senior Marketing Manager, Autotrader
- Jake Third – CEO, Hallam
Together, they will explore the trends, technologies and behaviours reshaping the profession, helping marketers stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic landscape.
CIM’s new collaboration with Co-op Live
The collaboration with Co-op Live marks an exciting milestone for CIM. As the UK’s largest live entertainment arena and one of Europe’s leading venues, Co-op Live is recognised not only for delivering world-class experiences but also for its commitment to innovation, sustainability and community impact.
Beyond its headline entertainment programme, the venue’s flexible event spaces, advanced digital infrastructure and audience-focused approach make it an ideal setting for CIM North West’s flagship conference. Bringing together two organisations with a shared passion for engaging audiences and creating meaningful experiences, the collaboration reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation and responsible growth.
Speaking ahead of the event, Tamara Rashford, Vice Chair – Events of CIM North West Committee, commented: “The marketing profession is evolving at an unprecedented pace, making collaboration, continuous learning and fresh thinking more important than ever. Last year’s conference demonstrated the ambition and appetite for innovation across the Northern marketing community. As we return for a second year, we’re building on that momentum with an even stronger programme and collaboration with Co-op Live. This conference is about bringing marketers together to share ideas, challenge thinking and explore the opportunities shaping the future of our profession.
“We’re excited to welcome Co-op Live as our Headline Sponsor. It’s about far more than providing a venue – they enable us to create an even greater experience for delegates while bringing together leading voices from across the profession. As well as being one of the UK’s most innovative venues, their commitment to championing sustainability and engaging diverse audiences makes them a natural fit with CIM. Together, we’re creating a platform where marketers can connect, challenge thinking and explore the opportunities shaping the future of marketing.”
As headline sponsor and host, Rebecca Lott, Marketing Director of Co-op Live, said: “Since the announcement of Co-op Live, we have placed a significant focus on innovative and forward-thinking brand and event marketing, quickly establishing the venue as one of the most recognised and celebrated globally with a significant, loyal and dedicated audience. It’s therefore fitting to be working alongside CIM to help bring leaders in marketing and communications to Manchester, and to place the venue at the forefront of conversation around the ever-dynamic developments facing the sector.
“We are delighted for the opportunity to not just showcase Co-op Live and our industry-leading team to global contemporaries, but to learn from and share best practice in a setting fit for the next generation of marketing.”
James McCracken, Chair of CIM North West Committee, concluded: “The North is home to an incredibly talented and ambitious marketing community, with practitioners, agencies and brands helping to shape the future of our profession every day. Marketing in the Northern Powerhouse is an opportunity to celebrate that talent, elevate marketing capability, share ideas and strengthen the connections that help our industry thrive. We’re proud to be building on last year’s success and grateful to Co-op Live for supporting our vision for the event.”
