PROMAX UK – 8th & 9th November

Being the beginning of November – it is, of course, nearly time for the UK’s biggest Conference on TV promotion, marketing and branding. Some 600 people will be going to Promax UK this year. However from having a look at the line up of speakers and events on their website I had a feeling that things had gone in a slightly different direction this time round.

Sure there were the usual speaking sessions by interesting, influential and sometimes bonkers people from in and around the TV industry, but they have also got what they are calling an “Upstairs” section – an area where “interactivity” is encouraged.  Curious to know what this meant I spoke to Rich Thrift from Channel 5 who is co-chairing the conference this year. He told me “Yes, we wanted to mix things up a bit and give the delegates to participate in something as well as sitting in on the usual sessions.  This not only makes it more memorable, but fun as well.

What kind of activities can people expect?  Things like learning how to remix a tune, watch a 3D printer working, play a rival broadcaster at table football, make a toy with Tony Heyward, a team building exercise called the Marshmallow Challenge, as well as having a chance to compete on Universal Music’s six lane scalextric track.

All this as well a few secret challenges that we will be announcing on the day, which will have to be completed in an allotted time.  Additionally we also have other interactive challenges like the Charity Challenge and the Short Film Festival which have been completed in advance.  So as you can see – we have been working hard to counter any accusations of delivering the same old thing year after year.  This element of competition, makes it a lot more vibrant and gets people engaged in creativity – which is where I believe the focus of Promax should be.”

We are also proud to announce that we have a partnership with So You Want To Be In TV who will be in the UP area.  They are an organisation concerned with helping young people get into the TV industry via placement, personal development and mentorship. We want you to tell us how you got into TV at the conference…”

Finally another thing to note is that they have  The Horne Section hosting the awards ceremony, instead of a stand up comedian or somesuch.  They had rave reviews from this years Edinburgh Festival (and their current run at Londons Southbank Centre).  Led by the excellent Alex Horne and fusing stand-up, performance and whatever musical genre they fancy – it all sounds very intriguing…

If we can get hold of the footage – we will have a look at the winners of the Promax UK motion Graphic categories next week.