International Night Time Economy Summit to arrive in Birmingham
Birmingham has been announced as the host for the fifth international Night Time Economy Summit (NTES).
Up to 4,000 global attendees from across arts, culture, hospitality, media, music, NTE, and politics are expected to attend the major event organised by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) at Hockley Social Club, between Wednesday 5 and Friday 7 February 2025.
The summit, set to be delivered in partnership with ACS, Defected, Earth Percent, GigPig, Hospital Records, Institute of Hospitality, She.Said.So, Skiddle, VibeLab, and West Midlands Combined Authority will explore key themes including queer spaces, sustainability, place-making, well-being, security, and live and electronic music.
Host venue Hockley Social Club has already seen more than 70,000 people pass through its doors in the first half of 2024, serving 23,000 meals and pulling 160,000 pints – 33,000 of which were beer produced by local breweries.
The 10,000 sq ft venue supports around 100 local jobs, works with 15 Midlands suppliers including cleaning, electricians, IT, and security companies, and operates with 14 Midlands bands and 40 DJs on rotation.
Jack Brabant, co-founder and director of Hockley Social Club said: “We’re proud to be a long-term supporter of the NTIA and its work to protect and develop our industry.
“Bringing the summit to Birmingham gives us, and so many of our colleagues from across the UK and internationallly, the opportunity to showcase our own venue offering, and the work of our partners who help to make this city and region amongst the best in the world.
“After years of developing NTE here, it feels like the perfect time to both host this key global event, celebrate our collective achievements, and plan together for the future.”
Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham working on behalf of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “The role of Birmingham and the West Midlands in the UK’s arts, culture, hospitality, music, and NTE offer – both to domestic and international markets – has long been underplayed.
“In recent years, the self-deprecating Birmingham character has given way to a new-found civic and cultural pride across our region, driven by creativity, community and innovation.
“Nowhere is this more evident than in our Night Time Economy, home to some of the most exciting and pioneering businesses and leaders in Europe.
“We look forward to welcoming professionals from across the world to our city, and showing off the people and places who make the West Midlands a truly dynamic NTE destination.”
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “We are excited to reveal that next year’s summit promises to be one of our most diverse events yet, with dynamic insights that will resonate throughout the industry. This gathering will unite influential voices to discuss a variety of important topics, addressing both long-term objectives and immediate challenges.”
“What truly sets this event apart is its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone can take part. It’s about fostering knowledge and expanding networks while providing attendees the chance to assess the current state of the industry. This will enable us to reflect, debate, and exchange ideas and best practices aimed at creating a safer and more successful night-time economy for the future.”
