Theme: Infinite Possibilities

The origin of this theme came about from the thought of creating a platform for ideas that challenges the norm and going beyond ordinary expectations. We were also drawn to the fact that it is of a very ambiguous nature, and that it signifies hope and highlights the possible potential that lies within each and every one of us.

Rise Manchester
231 Deansgate
Manchester, Manchester, M3 4EN
United Kingdom

Ash Dykes

Adventurer

Ash has travelled across the globe successfully completing adventures unknown to mankind. Some of which almost costed his life! 2 years ago he spent 78 days alone walking 1,500 miles across Mongolia, whilst pulling a 120kg homemade trailer. In early 2016 he became the first person ever to traverse Madagascar’s length – he was even nearly washed away in a crocodile-infested river! The famous English explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes praised Ash saying his journey in Mongolia is “an example of great determination” whilst FHM named him as "one of the world’s most fearless outdoors men”. Apart from being an adventurer, he is also a Muay Thai Fighter and a scuba diving instructor.

David Kam

Dancer

David Kam is an international dance artist and yoga teacher based in London. Inspired by the cultural richness of his home country, the prolific Malaysian embraces a multidisciplinary work approach on the basis of his architectural degree and formal dance training from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. David’s academic pursuits sparked his curiosity to study the connection between place and self, establishing a practice of placemaking within performance. He has therefore developed a particular interest in site-specific work, often of an autobiographical nature. David’s inclination towards bridging disciplines has also led him to specialise in Dance-Specific Yoga. Over the years, David had the privilege to work with Transitions Dance Company, Tony Thatcher, Melanie Clarke and Dr. Valerie Preston-Dunlop, all of which contributed to his diverse and international performing experience across the UK, Asia and Europe.

Hassan Iqbal

Student Entrepeneur

At only the age of 8, Hassan already began his entrepreneurial journey! He regularly repaired computers and by the time he was 13; he started his own business; a computer-repair company! Earlier this year, he won the National Edge Challenge and his dedication to the field has earned him numerous attention and honours, including the ‘Young Digital Entrepreneur of the Year finalist’. In January 2014, he opened his own award winning creative agency called ‘CreativePixels’. The company offers creative services such as website design, search engine optimisation to boost website profiles, as well as branding & animation to small businesses without breaking the bank. All of these services allows small businesses to compete against the biggest names in business.

Jennifer Arcuri

Hacker, Entrepeneur

Jennifer is the founder of Hacker House - the world’s first cyber security space: gathering, training and educating young kids who have started to breach code. Her vision is to bring together law enforcement with cyber criminals , harness hackers' raw talent and bring them inside of the entrepreneur eco-system and create an environment where digitally adept young people can use their talents for commercial and social good. Hacker House™ is also set to launch a series of security products by the end of 2016 - including a set of cyber badges to be accredited for schools in educating kids in ethics around hacking ad cyber hygiene. She also the founder of InnoTech, renowned for being one of the UK’s leading technology business events, and Pinksheet Database - a network of the finest professional female voices combatting the old mantra of “no women in tech” and is also an advocate for women all around the world to develop technology skills.

Marcus East

Dynamic Technology Director

Marcus has experience of managing teams and resources in excess of 1000 people, and with annual budgets in excess of $100m. He works with world-famous brands using digital technology to create lasting change by improving electronic commerce and enterprise-level digital transformations. Most recently, he worked in Silicon Valley for Apple, where he led eCommerce solutions delivery for the company’s worldwide online business, and also drove the adoption of agile software delivery. In early 2016, he returned to the UK to work at Marks and Spencer where he is the director responsible for driving the company’s digital transformation. His passion is to use technology to drive positive social change and in the past, he spent 2 years building and leading Comic Relief’s technology function where they were able to achieve the delivery of award-winning technology and digital products.

Maria J. Hyland

Lecturer, Author

Hyland was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and is currently a lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Manchester. Her stance against the misconceptions concerning the neurological condition portrayed in her award-winning books of both fiction and non-fiction has made her a highly-respected individual in her field of research. Over the years, she has also written numerous pieces of academic works (including autobiographical pieces), which have been published internationally and have even sparked debates concerning the treatment, diagnosis and symptoms of the condition. She has also made more than two dozen appearances on national and international radio and has been a guest of nine major literary festivals. In 2011 and 2012, she was shortlisted for the BBC Short Story Prize at this present day, regularly writes for The Guardian, The Financial Times, the LRB and Granta.

Richard Ramchurn

Creative Director

Richard graduated in Illustration and Animation from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2000. He first started working in the digital realm where he created live visuals for club nights and experimental music events. After a while, he combined his knowledge and skills to create ‘AlbinoMosquito’ in 2002– a creative agency based in Manchester. They specialise in producing digital creative content across both the UK and Europe. Richard’s company has produced projects for a wide range of clients: these include the BBC and Arts Councils and Tanks at Tate Modern.

Steve Rawling

Journalist

Steve has spent over 25 years in the media industry, working as a journalist, editor, programme developer and producer before becoming a creative leadership programme trainer for the BBC. He was also heavily involved in major events throughout his career. For example, in 2010, he was part of the team that created ‘Frankenstein’s Wedding'! At this present age, he is a creativity trainer as well as a consultant who regularly trains broadcasters, business and social enterprises in storytelling and creative techniques. He also helps those who want to discover, develop and sell their ideas as well as demonstrate how to inspire, motivate and influence the target audience to believe in those ideas.

Sumit Sakar

Artist, Sculptor, Painter

Sumit A.K.A ‘Kriksix’ is a visual artist whose artwork takes various forms such as digital & analogue paintings, sculptures as well as animation. The content of his work ranges from characters from his own world ‘Sumit’s KrikSix’ to ‘Ananta’ to ‘Kers’. Ananta combines his modern interpretation of the Hindu Gods with a more traditional representation as seen in temples and other places of worship whilst Kers includes sculptural graffiti work. Sumit is funded by the Arts Council of England to research and develop 3D printing as well as scanning and motion capture techniques which have led to ‘Sevenesque III’: an exhibition of digital sculptures, paintings and video. Sumit also works as an AV director, animator, illustrator and workshop leader, and is involved in various live art events around the UK - from aerosol art and drawing battles to live digital painting and sculpture.

Will Baker

Solicitor, Digital Designer

Originally trained as a solicitor, Will is an experienced independent monitor of the treatment of people held in immigration detention. This voluntary role includes monitoring the deportation process, accompanying detainees and escorts to countries such as Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He works extensively as a trainer and consultant and also worked or volunteered in areas including witness care in the criminal justice system and youth restorative justice. Together with Nick Hurley, Will created The Human Project, an organisation utilising design, technology and creative thought to advance human rights and promote positive social change. Their recent projects have been in the fields of digital democracy, youth democratic engagement, electoral fairness and safety in the Caribbean and human rights and equality training for young people. The Human Project aims to combine creative ideas with informed activism, attaching equal weight to the importance of subject matter and design.