Events

We run free, friendly cross-sector events including field trips, coaching and topical networking; if you work on place-related issues in any way, you’re welcome! Future of GM events bring together Leaders alumni and mentors, our Diverse Voices network, project partners and experts from all levels and from across the growing Future of GM family.

For updates & advance notice of events – or to see how else you can get involved – visit our Get Involved page and join our mailing list.  

Upcoming 

Behind the Scenes at Aviva Studios

Jay Millard (Access Manager) will take participants for an inside look at how Aviva Studios, home of Factory International and a world-class hub for creativity and collaboration, manages to design and deliver for all kinds of accessibility needs. We’ll discover how this incredible space brings people together and champions inclusivity through its design, programming, and community engagement.

Date/Time: Tuesday 8th September, 2pm

Location: Aviva Studios  – Register here. 

Nominations for Future Leaders Round 5 are now open! 

To nominate, apply or for info on the next round, get in touch now!
See current Future Leaders Round 4 candidates here and mentors here.

 

Future Leaders Round 4 – Proposals for GM

Join us as the graduating cohort of Future Leaders present fresh ideas for the GM Strategy. Four groups will share cross-sector approaches to tackling a regional challenge — each with a clear vision and delivery plan that supports the wider Strategy.

Come be inspired by the next generation of GM leaders and their mentors, ask questions, and be part of shaping Greater Manchester’s future!

Date/Time: Thursday 17th September, 9:30am – 12:30pm

Location: Rider Levett Bucknall – Register here.

Diverse Voices Peer Learning & Coaching 

Join us for this lively new ‘skills exchange’ format, where Diverse Voices members share skills and experience alongside on-the-spot presentation coaching and support from mentors and each other. Whether you’re looking to develop your bid-writing skills, gain insight into managing senior stakeholders, or want to learn – or share – other chunks of transferable knowledge, all are welcome. Venue TBA; if space is limited, priority goes to people from under-represented groups as always

Date/Time: Wednesday 22nd October, 4:00 – 6:00pm 

Location: Central Manchester – Email to register your interest

For details on our events and for early invitations, join our mailing list.

Recent Events

Summer Celebration + Alumni Awards: Our summer celebration brought that network back together. Alongside recognising our alumni award winners, we heard from bursary recipients on the vital role of the voluntary and community sector in shaping better places. Congratulations to our award winners, recognised for their leadership in Inclusive Growth, Impact, Collaboration, Climate & Resilience and Innovation. Their work is creating stronger communities, more sustainable places and better outcomes across Greater Manchester.  See more.

Future Leaders + Leaders Plus: Presenting under pressure: This joint workshop was offered at the request of candidates and was hosted at inspiring Contact Theatre. We offered coaching + scenarios on presenting, from client pitches to planning committees to TV interviews. There were nerves, laughter, peer support and a few ‘Eureka’ moments! We’ll share takeaways for both sessions soon.

Mentor Dinner 4: How do we help people and places feel safe(r) in such volatile times? 
Caroline Field, partner at event sponsor PA Consulting, led an insightful discussion to our full house of mentors at new venue Elnecot in May. Coming just before UKREiiF, this was timely chance to make new friends, share thought leadership with an influential audience & have a lovely meal with our brilliant volunteers. See the write-up here.

Future Leaders Proposals for GM (Feb): Proposals for GM was the cohort’s final group assignment, showcasing cross-sector teams stepping beyond their professional comfort zones to tackle a shared challenge. Drawing on experience from planning, housing, digital and environment, candidates explored this year’s theme through fresh, practice-led perspectives. The four proposals offered real-world responses to uncertainty and give a glimpse into a much wider learning journey. See their pitches here.
 
Diverse Voices(Online): Inclusive Communication: Accessibility and inclusion aren’t “someone else’s job”. Led by Lutalica Founder/Creative Director Cecilia Righini, this practical session explored how to share responsibility for accessible communications and experiences. Cecilia introduced a simple framework and guided participants to apply it through real-world examples and discussion. Participants left with actions they can take day-to-day to improve accessibility and inclusivity. 
 

Leaders Plus: Proposals for a more resilient GM (Jan): This inspiring showcase followed a November event where all candidates made short Pecha Kucha-style pitches to mentors and peers. The five individual proposals shared were voted most feasible: real-world approaches to securing a better future in uncertain times. This exclusive event was hosted at JLL’s 10th floor offices and offered attendees a chance to connect with change-makers shaping sustainable futures across and beyond Greater Manchester. See how the Proposals fit the GM Strategy here.