The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has announced that the Night Time Economy Summit 2025 will be held in Birmingham at Hockley Social Club from Wednesday, February 5, to Friday, February 6, 2025.
This year’s summit is organized in collaboration with a wide range of partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority, shesaid.so, Earth Percent, Skiddle, ACS, Institute of Hospitality, GigPig, Defected, VibeLab, and many others. In partnership with the International Nightlife Association, the summit will feature participants from across Europe, Japan, the U.S., Canada, South America, and Australia, fostering new partnerships both domestically and internationally. The event will include dedicated stages for international speakers hosted by VibeLab, emphasizing the cultural expansion of the Night Time Economy. Key themes will cover queer spaces, sustainability, placemaking, well-being, security, theatre, cinema, comedy, and both live and electronic music.
A significant addition to this year’s summit is a dedicated Queer stage, created in collaboration with Gay Times and Stonewall, which aims to tackle issues related to diversity and inclusion. Discussions on sustainability will be led by Earth Percent and AGF, with admission contributions supporting Earth Percent’s work in enhancing the UK’s nightlife sustainability efforts.
The summit will commence with the shesaid.so Brunch, featuring a special keynote speaker who will provide early insights into industry equality and key trends. The event will highlight key influencers and artists from the West Midlands, celebrate the region’s cultural diversity, and showcase London’s efforts around Black Lives In Music to combat discrimination in music. Additionally, GigPig will discuss the challenges faced by grassroots live and electronic music and the importance of supporting local talent.
A highlight will be the launch of the Listen for Life Campaign, a groundbreaking initiative on hearing conservation backed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This campaign will introduce new standards for hearing conservation in entertainment venues, prioritizing safe listening environments to protect both staff and patrons while promoting sustainable nightlife.
Electronic music discussions will be led by Defected, along with contributions from Hospital Records and other key players examining the genre’s value within the Night Time Economy. A benchmark report detailing the economic impact of electronic music will also be presented.
The summit underscores the importance of collaboration, bringing together over 30 trade associations to shape the future of the sector. Key partners, including BBPA, the Institute of Hospitality, UKHospitality, the UK Cinema Association, the UK Crowd Management Association, IPSA, and the Live Comedy Association, will share knowledge, address challenges, and drive innovation. Their collective expertise fosters a stronger, more resilient night-time economy.
After the success of last year’s Mayoral panel, representatives from the region will return to discuss their work and the significance of nightlife in the local economy, led by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands. This year’s summit will showcase an engaging lineup of regional mayors and political leaders, emphasizing nightlife’s role in culture, tourism, and employment, highlighting efforts to ensure continued growth and sustainability.
Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA and VP of the International Nightlife Association, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming summit, stating, “Next year’s event promises to be one of our most diverse, resonating throughout the industry.” He emphasized the summit’s commitment to accessibility, knowledge sharing, and networking.
Richard Parker added: “Our night-time economy significantly contributes to the vibrancy of the West Midlands, employing nearly 100,000 people and enhancing the region’s appeal as a destination.”
Sacha Lord, Chair of the NTIA, shared his excitement for the summit’s location in Birmingham, noting the city’s importance in supporting a thriving night-time economy while fostering discussions on the sector’s future.
Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham, highlighted the city’s evolving cultural pride and spirit of innovation, looking forward to welcoming global professionals and showcasing the dynamic West Midlands night-time economy.
The Night Time Economy Summit, held in varying locations annually, celebrates the UK’s nightlife and fosters collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, showcasing local nighttime offerings to attract investment and tourism.
The summit will also release the annual UK Benchmark Reports on Night Time Economy and Electronic Music, featuring expert panel discussions on the sector’s economic, cultural, and community impacts.
A comprehensive program for the Night Time Economy Summit will be available in the coming months, with speakers and topics spanning a broad range, including politics, business, diversity, health, and more.
For more information and to register for the Night Time Economy Summit, please visit the official website.
