September Launch Event
Can Technology Save Us?
We launched big with Mark Shayler and a packed NTU room, diving into AI, sustainability and regenerative futures.
What a Year
Everything We've Explored Together
From AI and sustainability to VR demos and utopian futures, we've built something special together. Here's every conversation, every connection, every moment that shaped our community this year.
12
Events Hosted
500+
Attendees
8
Venues
∞
Connections
Voices That Shaped Our Year
Mark Shayler
Sustainability Expert
Lars Holmquist
AI Design
Ian Campbell Cole
GenAI Specialist
Christian Venables
VR Developer
Maggie Bain
XR Performer
Ben Potter
Business Strategy
All Events
Highlights across the year. Use the built-in anchors to link to any month.
October Design & AI
AI as a Design Material
Lars Holmquist showed us how AI is reshaping creative practice and product design.
November Human-Centred AI
Making GenAI Meaningful
Ian Campbell Cole explored how GenAI can support thoughtful, human-centred design.
December Social Event
COLLECTIVE. Together: Festive Social
Drinks, snacks and real-life chats as we wrapped the year with a proper celebration.
January VR & AI
The Human/AI Feedback Loop in VR
Christian Venables showcased Gravity Sketch and Krea.AI, with hands-on VR demos from Mesh Training.
February Speculative Design
Can Humans Dream of Utopian Futures?
Jen Bell and Kristian Jones led a provocative journey through speculative design and hopeful futures.
March XR Performance
Acting in XR + Immersive Tech
Actor Maggie Bain broke down performing in virtual worlds. Plus, Asha Easton shared updates on support from Innovate UK.
April Regional Strategy
The EMCCA Vision
We heard directly from Mayor Claire Ward on regional investment and creative industry strategy.
May Funding
Funding for Growth + Innovation
Insights from Lewis Stringer (British Business Bank) and Charlie Weavers-Wright (Haatch) on scale-up finance.
May Mansfield
Telling Stories with Tech
MBD showed us how narrative meets VR, with a powerful demo at Mansfield Palace Theatre.
June Business Strategy
Your Buyers Have Changed. Have You?
Ben Potter delivered a sharp, energetic session on selling in a changed market.
July Summer Social
COLLECTIVE. Together: Summer Social
We closed the year in style at Manahatta, Nottingham, celebrating twelve months of connection, creativity and collaboration.
September New Season
COLLECTIVE. Together Social at ARC Space
A relaxed get-together to kick off our second year. Informal chats, updates and ideas-sharing.
Community Impact
Building connections that matter across the East Midlands creative, digital and tech community
What We've Built Together
Regional Network
Connected creative professionals across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and beyond
Knowledge Sharing
From AI and VR to funding and strategy - practical insights for real challenges
Authentic Connections
Real conversations, genuine relationships, and collaborative opportunities
Community Feedback
"The most authentic creative community events in the region. Real conversations, real connections."
Community Member
"Finally, events that feel genuinely East Midlands - proud of our region and what we're building here."
Local Creative
"The perfect balance of learning, networking and community. This is what the region needed."
Tech Professional
Connecting and amplifying the creative, digital, and tech community across the East Midlands.
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Community
© 2025 COLLECTIVE.. All Rights Reserved.
East Midlands Creative Community
Connecting and amplifying the creative, digital, and tech community across the East Midlands.
Navigation
Community
© 2025 COLLECTIVE.. All Rights Reserved.
East Midlands Creative Community