MAD//North has unveiled its 2026 plans at a launch event at the WPP Campus in Manchester.
According to the festival, the gathering highlighted “authentic storytelling and community-driven innovation”.
The launch, which had a theme of ‘Northern Soul’, featured insights from MAD//North co-founders Ian Houghton and Dan Brain, as well as a 30-minute panel discussion moderated by The Business Desk’s Michael Taylor
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“We came here to create an event for the North and about the North. 81% of the delegates attending next February are from Northern brands in Northern Ireland, Scotland, the North East, North West, and as far as Birmingham,” said Houghton.
“We have to thank WPP for supporting us from day one, the MPA, and Manchester United Brewery, which is brewing a special lager that will be co-branded, and we will be sharing it during our show and also Caravan, our official restaurant.”
Brain added: “There’s so much incredible work coming out of the north that deserves more recognition on an international stage.
“Our aim for MAD//North is to create a major platform where major brands, agencies, publishers and tech players show up loud and proud, build lasting relationships, and get deals done – all with plenty of northern soul, naturally!”
The two-day festival will take place on 25 and 26 February 2026.
