Experience on Main Street Conference

TRANSFORMING SPACES AND PLACES INTO VIBRANT DESTINATIONS

8 – 9 July 2025 

Experience on Main Street Conference returns for its third edition on 8–9 July 2025 at the vibrant Arcade Arena in Manchester. Delivered by the team behind Experience UK, the trade body representing the UK’s experience economy, this flagship event brings together a dynamic mix of people and organisations shaping the future of place and space.

This two-day gathering has become a must-attend for a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including central government, city and local authorities, developers, planners, architects, retail estate owners, cultural and business districts, experience designers, leisure operators, and more. With backing from the UK Government and leading trade associations and organisations, the conference offers a compelling platform to provoke thought, spark fresh ideas, and drive impactful conversations around placemaking, development, regeneration, and the experience economy.

 Across both days, the agenda is designed to inspire and challenge, with sessions focused on reimagining high streets, downtowns, shopping centres, and lifestyle destinations as vibrant, experience-led places built for the future.

Why attend?

Hear from the organisations and companies leading place transformation across the UK and beyond

Join in dynamic panel sessions exploring how major projects are conceived, funded, and delivered

Explore a exhibition showcasing the products, services, and solutions driving the future of the experience economy

Network with developers, designers, operators, and civic leaders shaping the future of spaces and places

Enjoy the Music for the Senses a multi-sensory art trail celebrating the people, places, moments, and instruments of Manchester’s legendary music scene

Connect and network at our social event and the iconic Museum of Illusions

Who should attend?

The Experience on Main Street Conference is designed for professionals and organisations actively shaping the future of urban spaces, high streets, and destination environments. This event is ideal for:

Local and city authorities, inward investment leads, regeneration teams, cultural compacts, and Business Improvement District (BID) professionals involved in revitalising town and city centres

Property developers, owners, and managers looking to integrate leisure, culture, and experience concepts into retail destinations, city centres, travel hubs, hotels, resorts, and cultural venues

Architects and masterplanners specialising in innovative design for retail, leisure, entertainment, and mixed-use developments

Creative and experience designers delivering bold, immersive solutions for shopping malls, entertainment venues, and hospitality-driven spaces

Leisure and entertainment operators, as well as supply chain partners developing or delivering compelling, visitor-focused experiences

Technology and design companies offering cutting-edge tools, systems, and solutions that contribute to the reinvention and regeneration of the UK’s high streets and shared spaces

Ticketing Information

Get ready to be inspired, connected, and immersed in the future of place and spaces across cities, towns and downtown areas. A ticket to the Experience on Main Street Conference 2025 gives you full access to:

‘Music for the Senses’ Art Trail Experience: Enjoy a private tour of the Music for the Senses art trail from 5:00pm on 8 July – an immersive, multi-sensory journey celebrating Manchester’s music scene. Featuring up to 50 painted guitars, a Large Guitar Street installation, 15 street art pieces (including 5 new works), plus interactive app and AR experiences. A great way to see how art can help millions of people of all ages to experience art in non-traditional settings.

 Networking Mixer: Join us ahead of the Experience UK Conference at the Museum of Illusions from 6:30pm on 8 July, for an immersive evening of creativity, connection, and play. Delegates will enjoy full museum access to interactive, mind-bending exhibits in a relaxed setting, complemented by a free-flowing bar featuring bottled beers, prosecco, wine, soft drinks, and two illusion-inspired cocktails. The night includes a walk-in kaleidoscope installation, live roaming magician, and illusion experts on hand to elevate the experience and assist with photo opportunities. Don’t miss this unforgettable chance to connect, explore, and be amazed!

The main conference at Arcade Arena: A full day of bold ideas, practical insights, and future-focused discussion from 9:00am on 9 July. Bringing together developers, policymakers, creatives, and cultural leaders, the programme explores the big issues shaping the future of our towns and cities. From regional regeneration strategies to global placemaking trends, and from sustainability and wellbeing to the reinvention of high streets, this is where innovation meets action – all in a dynamic space designed to spark collaboration and fresh thinking.

Pricing

General Admission – (Experience UK members code available)

 Early Bird – £220 + vat (ends 14 June)

 Regular Price – £260 + vat

NextGen and Students

Student/NextGen Concession – £50 + vat (limited tickets available)