The first day kicked off with a launch event featuring a panel of key civic leaders including Patrick Melia OBE from Sunderland City Council, Paul McEldon OBE from the North East BIC, David Bruce from Sunderland AFC, Sir David Bell from the University of Sunderland, Toni Rhodes from Education Partnership North East, and Sharon Appleby from Sunderland BIDs.
Following that session, was an event showcasing business support, with a series of short presentations and a ‘marketplace’ where attendees could chat to organisations who can provide advice, support and funding to businesses.
As well as the second day of the Delivering the Future City conference, the Wednesday featured an event celebrating social enterprises and the impact they make day in, day out in the city.
In the afternoon, the British Esports Federation and Sunderland Software City came together to showcase a package of support to help drive growth across the tech sector in Sunderland. The University of Sunderland also delivered a Creative Skills for Business masterclass.
The flagship event of the week was SunFest, a full day event at Sheepfolds Stables with headline speakers including Radio 1’s Jamie Laing – co-founder of gourmet confectionery brand Candy Kittens; Team GB legend Colin Jackson; and social media pioneer Alex Partridge.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness joined Jamie, Colin and Alex for a day of inspiring talks, workshops, live music, and networking in a vibrant festival setting.
There were also sessions on AI, emotional intelligence, social media marketing, business development and Sunderland AFC’s journey to the Premier League, as well as live performance and entertainment throughout the day.
The final day of the festival included a Mussel Club networking event at Hope Street Xchange, featuring a panel speakers, discussing the transformation of Sunderland and future areas of opportunity.
The week concluded with Sweeney Miller Law’s popular Wine on the Wear business networking event, including drinks and canapés at one of Sunderland’s newest venues, The Flower Café, bringing the week to an end in style.
