Web developers, digital innovators and tech professionals are gearing up for the sixth annual Umbraco Spark innovation conference, returning to Bristol this spring at We The Curious on Friday 20 March 2026. Organised by Bristol digital agency Gibe Digital, the event has become a fixture for developers from across the UK and Europe to share insights, ideas and practical knowledge around the open‑source Umbraco CMS and broader .NET ecosystem
Speaking about the conference, Steve Temple, Technical Director and Co‑founder of Gibe Digital, describes Spark as “a calendar highlight” that brings together “so many talented developers from the amazing Umbraco community.” Steve adds that the event leaves attendees “feeling inspired, armed with fresh knowledge to take your Umbraco projects to the next level.”
This year’s programme features a single main track of deep‑dive technical talks, practical demos and forward‑thinking sessions on topics such as load‑balancing for scalable apps, Umbraco Search, next‑generation back‑office features, and experimenting with AI‑driven accessibility tools.
Schedule Highlights:
Thursday, 19 March – The day before the main conference kicks off with a full-day Hackathon & Package Jam for the community, followed by a pre-party at a local game bar with ping pong, bowling, karaoke, food and drinks.
Friday, 20 March – A Harbour Run at 7 AM starts the day, followed by registration with coffee and pastries. The main track runs 9 AM–5:30PM, featuring technical talks, lightning sessions and demos. The Package Awards celebrate standout contributions, and the day wraps up with an after-party. Attendees also benefit from lunch, refreshments, a free cloakroom, and quiet/multi-faith rooms to support wellbeing.
Tickets & Pricing: Standard tickets cost £150 + VAT, available until the end of February or until sold out. Grab your ticket here.
Umbraco Spark continues to cement Bristol’s status as a hub for creative tech events — combining local community energy with the global expertise of the Umbraco ecosystem.
Tom Bowden-Green, Bristol Creative Industries board director and a senior lecturer in marketing within Bristol Business School at UWE Bristol, shares an update on how we are supporting students to pursue creative sector careers and connecting them to employers looking for talent.
“Ask me what my three priorities are as a board director at Bristol Creative Industries and I tell you education, education, education…” OK, I may have borrowed that from a former prime minister 30 years ago (yes 30 years!), but developing ‘talent’ is one of the reasons BCI exists, and a key pillar in our overall strategy.
We are really lucky in this region to have four great universities, and many wider colleges and schools, supporting the creative sector. Whether you want to employ students and/or graduates, or learn from academics engaged in relevant research, there are plenty of opportunities for greater links between members and educators. So, what does this mean in practice?
Number one, we have a database of members who want to support students and educators in the region. This might involve offering mentoring or work experience during holidays, for example, or perhaps providing longer term placements or part time employment.
There are also opportunities to provide more structured support such as talks and guest lectures within established programmes. UWE, for example, has a scheme called Course Connect, linking businesses to specific and relevant modules.
If you’re a BCI member and you’d like to support these efforts, email Alli Nicholas at [email protected]
We’re also growing our BCI student membership. It remains free, and we are going to be increasing the specific activity for these members. As well as providing tickets to some of our events, we intend to increase regular communication through a dedicated student newsletter. If you have an opportunity to share with students of any level, we’d be happy to communicate this through the newsletter.
In the longer term, we are also planning a dedicated student conference in early 2027. We’d love volunteers to speak to students about working in the creative industries, plus there are likely to be sponsorship opportunities. Do let us know if either appeals to you. Email Alli Nicholas at [email protected]
So, what kind of students do we envisage working with as we expand student activities? Well, we already have hundreds of student members, many of whom attend university courses in the region. For example, many of you are involved in some aspect of marketing, and there are thousands of marketing students in the region.
However, there are also many students studying broader creative topics relating to TV and film or digital technology for example. Whatever your expertise or niche, there is bound to be a course and a cohort of students who could benefit from your expertise. Many will also be seeking employment in the years to come.
Of course, university education is not the only route into the creative industries. Student membership is therefore open to students at all levels, including those in post-16 education, and those studying courses later in life. Opportunities to engage therefore include post-16 courses, such as apprenticeships, T-levels, and a range of relevant A-level, as well as postgraduate degrees and professional qualifications.
Beyond working with students directly though, there are many wider benefits of engaging with educators and academics. BCI signed a memorandum of understanding with UWE last year, with an intention to benefit from broader collaboration such as research and knowledge exchange.
BCI has recently supported various Skills Bootcamps for example, including the ‘Broadcast to Branded’ Skills Bootcamp relating to TV and Film production, as well as skills bootcamps in digital marketing and the creative industries.
Whether you’re seeking to attend a bootcamp, or share expertise with learners, there will be many opportunities in the coming months, and probably wider training courses beyond bootcamps. There are also opportunities for research collaboration, including funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. If you have a problem requiring an academic mind, just let us know.
On 25 February, we will be hosting our first BCI event at Bristol Business School. This will be a chance to network with academics and others from the creative industries, but also a great opportunity to hear about specific research relating to marketing and psychology. Come along, meet those teaching and researching in this area, ask questions and let us know how we can help you.
The opportunities are broad and varied. I feel a new dawn is breaking, is it not?
Top image credit: © Tom Sparey, All Rights Reserved.
Bristol, UK – January 2026 — Ignition DG Ltd, the Bristol-based strategic events and exhibitions agency, as part of Istoria Group, today announces significant business growth. From expanded global reach to continued leadership, Ignition DG continues to generate impressive results in the sector.
Founded in 2007 with a mission to challenge traditional “build and burn” event practices, Ignition DG has grown into an award-winning creative agency known for blending strategic planning with world-class delivery.
Global Growth
Ignition DG designs and delivers hundreds of exhibitions and event programmes each year – serving clients across pharmaceutical, beauty, biotech, aerospace and technology sectors.
To support recent successes, Ignition DG ended 2025 with the opening of a new European office. With strategic hubs and warehouse facilities now established across the UK, EU and the US, Ignition’s global growth goes from strength to strength. Paired with trusted partners across Asia, the Middle East and South America, the business has consolidated its ability to support global programmes with local expertise.
Client Success
From complex exhibition portfolios and major congresses, Ignition’s work emphasises strategic intent, creative innovation, and seamless project management – underpinning sustained client retention and growth.
Alongside continued client success, Ignition has won awards for booth designs, creative event executions, and bespoke modular solutions that deliver high impact and cost efficiencies for global brands.
With recent client wins, Ignition has attracted new talent to the company, seeing a 19% increase in employees throughout 2025.
Innovation Through Change
In recent years, the company has responded to shifts in the events landscape by scaling its digital and hybrid capabilities. This adaptability has reinforced client partnerships, enabling Ignition DG to deliver hundreds of virtual events and hybrid programmes that seamlessly blend creativity with technology.
Innovation continues to be part of Ignition’s DNA. New strategic capabilities, such as building exhibition attractors in-house, are being launched, alongside medical content writing as a service.
Looking Ahead
“We’re proud of the sustained growth we’ve achieved while staying true to our founding values,” said Sam Rowe, CEO of Ignition DG. “Our team’s focus on creativity and strategic excellence has allowed us to support clients around the world with meaningful, measurable experiences.”
With continued investments in strategic solutions, talent and technology, Ignition DG is poised to grow further into 2026 and beyond. The company remains committed to helping clients across regulated industries to create impactful live experiences that drive business results without compromising environmental or ethical standards.
For media enquiries, please contact:
[email protected]
Improve your communication skills in the workplace and beyond. If you’re ready to take your first steps in developing your speaking and presentation skills, this is the perfect place to start.
COURSE DETAILS
A 3 hour, live course delivered over 3 consecutive evenings across one week, with BRAVA CEO, Melissa Thom. This course will help you understand the theory and lay down the fundamentals skills and practical techniques you need in order to communicate more effectively, with increased confidence.
COURSE OVERVIEW
WHO IS IT FOR?
This small group class is for anyone who’d like to learn practical tips to help unlock the power of their voice, successfully influence an audience and communicate with confidence.
WHY BRAVA?
At BRAVA, all of our training is live and tailored to you. There are no pre-recorded modules and we work with people of all ages and experience levels from 20 yrs+, from a wide range of backgrounds.
Many people are surprised by how much there is to learn and how much they can grow, even in just three sessions.
—
£180 (inc. VAT)
Dates: 2, 3 & 4 February (Mon, Tues, Weds) 2026
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Online via Zoom
To book, visit:
https://www.brava.uk.com/masterclasses/foundation-in-public-speaking
BRAVA, the leading voice and audio training academy founded by award-winning voice actor, Melissa Thom, is delighted to announce that Dan Jones, former Head of Audiobook Production at Hachette UK, has joined the organisation as an audiobook coach and guest instructor.
With more than 20 years’ experience at a major UK publisher, Dan brings an exceptional depth of industry knowledge, technical expertise, and creative leadership to BRAVA’s coaching team. His background spans music engineering, audiobook production, studio design, and talent development, making him an invaluable addition to BRAVA’s roster of specialist coaches. BRAVA remains committed to ensuring that all its coaches have extensive experience in their field, and Dan embodies this standard.
Dan will work alongside BRAVA CEO and audiobook narrator, Melissa Thom, to deliver both personalised coaching and group masterclasses. Their first joint event, Audiobooks from a Publisher’s Perspective, will take place in Bristol on Friday, 20 March at their central partner studios, from 10am – 4pm. This in-person masterclass is designed for voice professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the audiobook industry and elevate their technical and performance skills. Attendees will gain practical guidance on showreels, preparation, narration techniques, recording workflows, and securing work in a competitive and rapidly evolving sector.
Dan Jones said:
“I’ve spent my life immersed in audio, from experimenting with tape recorders as a kid, to building Hachette’s in-house audiobook studios, to overseeing the production of thousands of titles across every genre. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with the BRAVA community and help voice professionals thrive in this industry I care so deeply about.”
Melissa Thom, CEO of BRAVA, added:
“Dan’s experience is unparalleled. His decades spent at the forefront of audio production, coupled with his passion for storytelling and technical mastery, make him an extraordinary asset to our students. We’re thrilled to welcome him to BRAVA.”
Dan’s career spans music engineering, audiobook production leadership, and more recently, consultancy work for audio and technology companies on strategies and training initiatives. His unique mix of technical expertise and narrative sensitivity positions him perfectly to support both emerging and established voice professionals through BRAVA’s specialised coaching programmes.
To find out more about BRAVA go to Advanced Audiobooks Masterclass or visit www.brava.uk.com
The next date in my series of all-day small-group in-person PR workshops for small business owners is on Friday 23 January 2026, and I’d love to invite all BCI members!
There’s just FOUR spots left.
BOOKED IN A DAY 🎉
📅 Friday 23 January 2026, 10am – 4pm
📍 Tobacco Factory, Bristol
🎟️ 7 spaces (Only FOUR left!)
🔗 Details + tix: https://bridiehinson.co.uk/bristol-pr-workshop
Designed for small business owners who want to dedicate a day to building lasting PR skills that will help you reach more people with your mission and message, build trust, and land new opportunities for your small business.
If you want to discover new ways to get in front of the right people (beyond constant content creation!) come learn about opportunities such as guest podcasts, guest workshops, speaking gigs, press features, collaborations, partnerships and more!
It’s a chance to learn how to position yourself, craft key messages and stories, and learn how to pitch for opportunities.
The day will be informative and interactive with time to action the learnings during the workshop itself, you’ll also get mini 1:1s with me and peer support in a small group👌
You’ll leave with:
💎 clear on the topics, opinions and messages you can use for PR
💡 exciting ideas to promote your business beyond social media
💪 confidence to put yourself out there and pitch
I’ll also be adding a new section in for January 2026 all about planning PR into your upcoming business activity as we look at the year ahead. Including top tips for how to leverage PR to boost what you’re already doing, not add to your plate.
Kate said: “A brilliant, energising day packed with practical tools, inspiring ideas, and expert insight that made PR feel not just doable, but exciting. Bridie delivers the course with warmth and expertise. I left with a clear plan and much more confidence.”
Morin said: “Booked in a Day was transformative. It expanded my understanding of where my voice belongs and needs to be heard. Having my ideas and approach validated by a PR expert has completely shifted how I feel about pitching myself and my expertise from ‘ick’ to ‘yay!’”
The event takes place on the top floor of Tobacco Factory with a balcony and spectacular views 😍
BOOKED IN A DAY 🎉
📅 Friday 23 January 2026, 10am – 4pm
📍 Tobacco Factory, Bristol
🎟️ 7 spaces (Only FOUR left!)
🔗 Details + tix: https://bridiehinson.co.uk/bristol-pr-workshop
Weston College and University Centre Weston are looking to work with creative businesses to shape delivery, curriculum and skills alignment to provide your industry with a talented and work ready future workforce.
Current courses delivered by us include:
Please join us at one of our events (you can find them all here) and have your say! https://forms.office.com/e/0T1Z42Ey2V
University Centre Weston’s Dirigo Film Festival is returning for its 12th year! Organised by our talented Film and Media Arts Production students, it’s a fantastic opportunity for student filmmakers worldwide! Entries are open now!
As an open festival with no set boundaries, the festival aims to inspire and showcase creativity in film making. The organisers actively encourage new styles, voices and direction! This year’s categories are:
In addition to the film side of the festival, for the first time this year we are introducing the Dirigo Photography Awards! This is a separate category for photography submissions for International Students, UK Students, and Young Photographer categories.
This industry film festival forms part of the Art, Film, Game and Graphic Design Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston’s Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners’ careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
Entries for the festival are now open, you can submit your film by clicking here! Apply for our Film and Media Arts Production degree by clicking here!
We’re delighted to announce our third Skills Bootcamp in Virtual Production!
Starting Wednesday 17th December 2025, these fully funded courses offer an incredible opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills that are transforming the future of film and media production.
We are offering two specialist courses:
• Virtual Production with Unreal Engine
• Virtual Production with Sony VENICE 2
These bootcamps are free to learners, funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WEMCA) and led by the University of Bristol in partnership with MARS Academy (MARS Volume), Gritty Talent, and accredited trainers in Unreal Engine and Sony VENICE 2.
Virtual production is revolutionising the screen sector by blending live action, visual effects, and real-time 3D environments into a seamless creative process.
Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 12th November 2025, please share with your wider audience.
Gritty Talent’s Skills Bootcamp – Inclusion Accelerator, launches on the 14th January 2026 in the South-West of England. Book early to avoid disappointment….
Engaging, practical and designed for change, the Inclusion Accelerator has been thoughtfully developed to turbo charge inclusivity in the creative industries.
The Skills Bootcamp is open to 20 leaders, hiring managers & EDI leads within creative sector organisations and companies in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WEMCA) region. This dynamic, guided learning bootcamp, with the outcome of creating a company specific implementation plan, will be delivered by Gritty Talent’s own senior leaders who are creative industry professionals and EDI specialists.
What’s more it’s HEAVILY subsidised by WEMCA, who fund up to 90% of the cost for learners
For full information on funding, eligibility criteria and application details. Follow the link below.
https://www.grittytalent.tv/skills-bootcamp-inclusion-accelerator
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