NTIA announces Night Time Economy Summit 2025 in Birmingham

The Night Time Economy Summit 2025 will be held in Birmingham, says the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).

Taking place at the Hockley Social Club from February 5-6, the conference will cover a wide range of important topics including queer spaces, sustainability, placemaking, well-being, security, electronic and live music, drug testing, women's safety, access to funding, grassroots music, events and festivals, cost of living crisis, and more.

The annual, satellite event - which is hosted by NTIA in collaboration with the International Nightlife Association - promises new partnerships this year, with representatives hailing from across the UK, Europe, Japan, the U.S., Canada, South America, and Australia.

Read this next: Black artists are disproportionately impacted by nightlife licensing, London Assembly told

Described as one of the "most diverse” summits yet by NTIA CEO Michael Kill, the Birmingham edition is set to include a new inclusivity-focussed Queer stage hosted by Gay Times and Stonewall, as well as discussions on how to improve sustainability in the nightlife sector, held by Brian Eno’s EarthPercent and AGF.

Meanwhile, shesaid.so, the community-led group championing women and gender nonconforming people in the music industry will host a brunch presenting their relevant findings and solutions to the issue of inequality.

Also, Black Lives In Music, which recently revealed Black artists are disproportionately impacted by nightlife licensing in London, will be invited to discuss the prevalence of discrimination against Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians.

In light of statistics revealing 2023 to be the “most challenging year” for grassroots music venues, GigPig will be exploring some of the issues facing these institutions and why it is important to support them.

Read this next: Grassroots venues suffered their "most challenging year" in 2023, report finds

Other noteworthy partners include Defected, who will provide insight into the economic contribution of the electronic music industry, and the World Health Organisation, which will be launching its Listen for Life Campaign — aimed at promoting safeguarding and well-being practices in the night time industry.

Several regional political figures will also be invited to speak at the event, following the success of last year’s Mayoral panel.

This time hosted by Richard Parker, the Mayor of West Midlands, the discussion will emphasise the importance of political intervention to support nightlife, highlight the work already being done to ensure its protection and provide recommendations for further action.

“Our night-time economy is a key part of what makes the West Midlands a vibrant place to live and visit,” says Mayor Parker. “As we navigate the challenges this industry has faced in recent years, I want to support our high streets and the people who bring them to life. Hosting this conference here highlights our commitment to growing this vital sector and showcasing the best of our region.”

Read this next: Four Ways The New UK Government Needs To Support Nightlife

Kill notes that the event will “unite influential voices to discuss a variety of important topics, addressing both long-term objectives and immediate challenges”.

The summit, he continues, is “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."

Register interest to attend the summit here.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram