Ever wondered why users abandon your beautifully crafted website faster than you can say “conversion rate”?
Join us in October for “A Web Developer’s Guide to Understanding Common UX Pain Points That Frustrate Users” – a session that’ll help you see your sites through your users’ eyes (and stop them from wanting to throw their phone out the window).
Whether you’re a seasoned developer who can wrangle PHP in your sleep, a designer who lives and breathes pixels, or someone who just wants to understand why that brilliant website idea isn’t quite landing – this talk is for you!
Expect practical insights and tips, and perhaps a few chuckles as we uncover why that “innovative” design choice might actually be sending your visitors straight to your competitor’s site. Light(ish) on UX jargon, and no pretentious design theory, and based on decades of experience; expect honest, down-to-earth, actionable advice from Jonny that’ll make your WordPress sites work better for the people who actually use them.
Refreshments are provided courtesy of our sponsors: defended.net | 34SP | Kinsta | Turbo Admin
UK designers are brilliant. From cutting-edge fashion to ground-breaking industrial design, our creative minds fuel a sector worth nearly £100 billion and support thousands of jobs across the UK.
But here’s the challenge: how do we make sure the system protecting your hard work actually works for you?
That’s why we’re partnering with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for an essential workshop on the UK Designs Consultation. This isn’t just another meeting – it’s your chance to influence how we protect creativity in the UK.
The world has changed. Technology is evolving faster than ever. We want our intellectual property framework to keep pace. The government’s new consultation aims to simplify the rules, strengthen protections and make it easier for designers to
enforce their rights when someone copies their work.
This matters whether you’re an independent designer, part of a major manufacturing company or anywhere in between.
Your experience matters – your ideas for improvement matter
Join us to help build a system that truly serves the incredible design community in the UK. Because when creativity thrives, we all benefit.
This session is exclusively for Bristol Creative Industries members so have your say and influence change, or join if you’re not yet a member!
Aardman’s creative world has been in constant flux ever since their first experiments with technology fifty years ago. Peter will take you behind the studio curtain into the world of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run for a glimpse of how they have retained creative continuity in an ever-evolving environment. Peter will be interviewed by BAFTA Cymru nominated animation director, writer and producer, Joseph Wallace.
Peter Lord is a renowned British animator, filmmaker, and co-founder of Aardman, Britain’s leading animation studio. With co-founder David Sproxton – a childhood friend – hedeveloped their signature style of stop-motion animation using modelling clay. Lord’s career skyrocketed with the creation of the beloved TV character Morph. As a director and producer, he played a pivotal role in Aardman’s success, directing films like Chicken Run(with Nick Park) and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists. Lord’s work has earned numerous accolades, including three nominations for Academy Awards. Aardman has thrived for almost fifty years with considerable input from Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit. With an emphasis on comedy, craft, storytelling and creative integrity, Peter remains willing to experiment and innovate.
Taking place 6-11 October, BTF+ is the Bristol Festival of Tech, Creativity + Culture; a six-day citywide festival brought to you by TechSPARK, Bristol Creative Industries and MyWorld.
BCI House, powered by not-for-profit membership organisation Bristol Creative Industries, is a dedicated hub at BTF+ where creative, media and tech come together for four days of events – from workshops and talks to panel discussions and networking – all designed to spark collaboration and amplify the festival experience.
The venue is Unit 11, Temple Studios, Temple Campus Lower Approach Road, BS1 6QA.
To register for this event, you first need to register for the festival here.
Once registered, go to the confirmation email you’ve received, click the link and log in to the attendee portal using your email address and the password provided. Go to ‘schedule selection’ in the left hand side menu and sign up for the events you’d like to attend.
Almost everything on the Community, Live and Showcase track is free. All BCI House events are free.
The Summit track is one of the few paid elements at BTF+ but BCI members can take advantage of a 25% discount on Summit track tickets – email [email protected] for your exclusive code.
Dominic Mills is the founder of Yuup – a scaling Bristol-born start up that helps people explore unique local experiences. What began as a platform for discovering local activities has evolved into a creative force behind some of the UK’s most ambitious live entertainment.
Before starting Yuup, Dominic had a near 20-year career in the service industries, where he founded digital agency Auros, which later merged with Zone and was eventually acquired by global tech giant Cognizant. Dominic also served on the board of Bristol Creative Industries and has been an active proponent of the creative tech scene here in Bristol.
Dominic will share his journey from agency leadership through to an exit, and what eventually led him to launch a tech startup. In an interview with BCI board member Tom Harber, Dominic will discuss his experience merging his agency with Zone, and what that meant for Bristol when it came to growing the organisation from a London HQ.
He will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the rollercoaster ride of the acquisition and his eventual exit from the business. Finally, Dominic will speak about what inspired him to start Yuup and the mindset shift required to move from service to product.
Dominic founded Yuup to help communities and enterprises thrive through extraordinary shared experiences. What began as a platform for discovering local activities has evolved into a creative force behind some of the UK’s most ambitious live entertainment.
Under his leadership, Yuup has grown from grassroots experiences to stadium-scale productions, pioneering large-scale drone light shows with record-breaking audiences for Evolution, Christmas Carol, and Wizard of Oz. With the launch of WILD: The Drone Light Show, Yuup is redefining how technology, artistry, and storytelling unite. Previously, Dominic scaled digital agency Auros, acquired by Zone in 2014 and later by Cognizant in 2017.
Taking place 6-11 October, BTF+ is the Bristol Festival of Tech, Creativity + Culture, a six-day citywide festival brought to you by TechSPARK, Bristol Creative Industries and MyWorld.
BCI House, powered by not-for-profit membership organisation Bristol Creative Industries, is a dedicated hub at BTF+ where creative, media and tech come together for four days of events – from workshops and talks to panel discussions and networking – all designed to spark collaboration and amplify the festival experience.
The venue is Unit 11, Temple Studios, Temple Campus Lower Approach Road, BS1 6QA.
To register for this event, you first need to register for the festival here.
Once registered, go to the confirmation email you’ve received, click the link and log in to the attendee portal using your email address and the password provided. Go to ‘schedule selection’ in the left hand side menu and sign up for the events you’d like to attend.
Almost everything on the Community, Live and Showcase track is free. All BCI House events are free.
The Summit track is one of the few paid elements at BTF+ but BCI members can take advantage of a 25% discount on Summit track tickets – email [email protected] for your exclusive code.
Join The City Girl Network as they bring together all genders in the diverse business community of Bristol for networking drinks. Bristol Business Connections is a brand new event offering, connecting our 40,000 strong Bristol Girl Community and the wider Bristol Business Network.
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Tickets: £8 (including a drinks token) / Members of The Square Club can access this event for free (drink not included)
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Who’s this event for?
– Business professionals across all sectors looking for a relaxed networking environment
– Entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to connect and share ideas
– Individuals from charities and organisations aiming to broaden their network
– Anyone interested in being part of Bristol’s dynamic business scene
Event Highlights
– Welcoming Atmosphere: Whether you’re a networking novice or a seasoned professional, you’ll find a comfortable and friendly environment to forge new connections.
– Diverse Community: This event is about bringing together Bristol’s vibrant business community, from startups and entrepreneurs to established companies and non-profits.
– Iconic Venue: Experience networking in the Square Club’s unique setting, known for its stylish interiors and exceptional culinary offerings.
– Relaxed Networking: Enjoy the ease of casual conversations over drinks, supported by our experienced networking team.
Experience Networking Differently
Bristol Business Connections is your opportunity to engage with the local business community in a setting that’s designed to be inclusive and relaxed. Come and discover the potential of networking when it’s done in a way that’s enjoyable and accessible to all. Be part of an evening that’s all about community, connection, and collaboration.
You’re invited to join Nutritional Therapists Sarah Bayliss & Carly Jones, founders of the Gaia Wellness Method for this free, one hour, workshop and talk on Women’s Health.
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There’s never been a better time to be navigating women’s health.
We understand so much more now about what really supports us during midlife. This knowledge creates a genuine opportunity to understand, protect and thrive during this transition. While most conversations focus solely on sex hormones, there’s something crucial missing: the biological foundations that make everything else work.
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Join us in person to explore:
– Why perception matters: How reframing menopause as a gateway (not decline) transforms your experience
– The hidden metabolic shift no one talks about (it’s not just about losing periods)
– What we’re really up against: The 5 environmental disruptors derailing modern women’s health
– True health vs. symptom management: Building resilience before you need it
– Our 6-pillar system that creates the foundation for everything else to work
– The evolutionary advantage of menopause and why you matter more than ever
This isn’t about managing what’s broken. It’s about building what works.
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Meet Sarah Bayliss & Carly Jones face-to-face; the registered nutritional therapists who’ve spent months developing and testing this approach with real women living real lives.
Perfect for women in their late 30s/40s ready to step into their power.
Tickets: Free RSVP
Attendee Exclusive: First access to our January programme (only 15 places available)
Join us in our intimate cocktail bar at The Square Club for an inspiring evening with Bristol’s fabulous Personal Stylist Gem Alaway @styling_by_gem.
All are invited to join us at this free event to enjoy a complimentary “Dressing for Success” styling presentation designed exclusively for women, packed with empowering insights on how to dress with confidence and stand out—whether it’s at networking events, interviews or in everyday life.
Discover insider tips on trends, styling, and colour—and watch one lucky guest receive a live seasonal colour analysis demo! Plus, you’ll have the chance to snap up special on-the-night offers for your very own seasonal colour analysis session.
Fashion, friends & cocktails—it’s the ultimate ladies’ night out!
Join us at YGWYG 17: The AI Movie Special
You Get What You Get digs deep into the intersection of Gen AI, creative tech, ad creative and culture.
For this round, Norts and Derek of The Peeps dig into the wild world of AI-generated cinema. Expect a fast-paced screening of some of the best short films and music videos made with machine minds. Some brilliant. Some broken. All made by prompt.
Come for the glitches. Stay for the genius.
“Anarchic and brilliant”
“Like nothing I’ve been to ever before!”
Whether you’re a regular or rocking up for the first time, YGWYG is your space to share, spark and soak it all in. Bring your best ideas and leave with better ones.
Limited spots. Book your ticket now.
Charity Freelancers Bristol would love to welcome local charity freelancers to our second meet-up. Join us for networking and co-working on Wednesday 1st October at the Watershed, 10am-1pm.
Charity Freelancers Bristol is a newly-formed group that aims to bring together charity professionals from across Bristol and the surrounding area. We meet monthly to provide a relaxed and informal space for charity consultants to meet others, share experiences and tips, and have opportunities for work referrals and collaborations.
If you would like to attend the event on October 1st and/or join our WhatsApp or Facebook groups then please email Rosia Curtis or Jess Augarde: [email protected]; [email protected]
Having worked inside some of the world’s most creative marketing departments (DDB, BBH, Wieden+Kennedy, Uncommon Creative Studio, and Apple), Sam shares a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and approaches that make them thrive.
This talk lifts the lid on how these companies develop powerful creative processes, generate breakthrough ideas, and lead teams to deliver exceptional work at pace. From embracing new technologies to rethinking team dynamics, Sam will share his firsthand experience on it takes to succeed creatively at the very highest level.
Sam Oliver is a creative director with over 25 years experience in leading marketing for some of the world’s most famous brands.
As well as working at London’s top advertising agencies ( Uncommon, BBH, Wieden&Kennedy…), Sam was Group Creative Director at Apple in Cupertino for six years. There he led the iPhone and iPad accounts and oversaw over forty new product launches. Sam has won over a hundred industry awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes. He now divides his time between creative direction and coaching the next generation of creative leaders.
Taking place 6-11 October, BTF+ is the Bristol Festival of Tech, Creativity + Culture; a six-day citywide festival brought to you by TechSPARK, Bristol Creative Industries and MyWorld.
BCI House, powered by not-for-profit membership organisation Bristol Creative Industries, is a dedicated hub at BTF+ where creative, media and tech come together for four days of events – from workshops and talks to panel discussions and networking – all designed to spark collaboration and amplify the festival experience.
The venue is Unit 11, Temple Studios, Temple Campus Lower Approach Road, BS1 6QA.
To register for this event, you first need to register for the festival here.
Once registered, go to the confirmation email you’ve received, click the link and log in to the attendee portal using your email address and the password provided. Go to ‘schedule selection’ in the left hand side menu and sign up to the events you’d like to attend.
Almost everything on the Community, Live and Showcase track is free. All BCI House events are free.
The Summit track is one of the few paid elements at BTF+ but BCI members can take advantage of a 25% discount on Summit track tickets – email [email protected] for your exclusive code.
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