A major international business conference examining the future of the night-time economy is coming to Birmingham next year.
The fifth annual Night Time Economy Summit will take place at Hockley Social Club on February 5 and 6 and is expected to welcome delegates from sectors such as the arts, hospitality, media, music and politics.
It is being organised by the Night Time Industries Association and will welcome representatives from across Europe, Japan, the Americas and Australia.
The summit will explore key themes including queer spaces, sustainability, place making, well-being, security, live and electronic music.
Jack Brabant, co-founder and director of Hockley Social Club in the Jewellery Quarter, said: "We're proud to be a long-term supporter of the association and its work to protect and develop our industry.
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"Bringing the summit to Birmingham gives us, and so many of our colleagues from across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ and internationally, 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 the night-time economy 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 with the association, added: "The role of Birmingham and the West Midlands in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's arts, culture, hospitality, music and night-time economy 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 destination."
The full programme for the Night Time Economy Summit will be released over the coming months, with speakers and panellists from a broad range of fields.
Michael Kill, chief executive 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.
"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."
