CreaTech Freelancer Forum: Coventry
About this Event
What is the CreaTech Freelancer Forum?
This is part of a series of four free industry gatherings for freelancers and micro-businesses working in creative technology across the West Midlands. Run through the CreaTech Frontiers programme and delivered by University of Warwick and sector lead Amy Dalton-Hardy, it exists to do something straightforward: bring the sector together.
This is not a skills programme, a funding workshop, or an application clinic. It’s a space for creative tech freelancers to meet, think, and make connections - across the whole region, not just the city centres - and to shape what that looks like together.
We are delighted to be joined by award-winning artist and storyteller Doddz for a fireside chat exploring his work across blending traditional craft and emerging tech, and through his work how he builds moments of joy, connection, and shared imagination.
Who is this event for? This forum is for freelancers and micro-businesses (including sole directors of Ltd Companies) working at the intersection of creative practice and technology in the West Midlands. For example; that can include but not limited to games, immersive tech, digital arts, creative AI, tech-enabled live performance, motion capture or spatial design. If you're working independently in this space, this is for you.
Is this open to anyone or just people already working in CreaTech? This forum is primarily for freelancers and micro-businesses already working at the intersection of creative practice and technology. The conversations work best when people can speak from direct, hands-on experience. If you're actively exploring a move into this space, you're welcome too, but do bear in mind the sessions are pitched at practitioners rather than a general introduction to the sector.
Is this only for people based in the West Midlands? Yes, this is regional support for the West Midlands, not a national programme as the Createch Frontiers programme is West Midlands focused. The forum is designed specifically for freelancers and micro-businesses living and/or working in this region, so it's not the right fit if you're based elsewhere. That said, some of our guest speakers may be based elsewhere with a remit to share their learning, not what works well about where they’re based.
The Events: 2026 Regional Tour
After this event, there are two futher events planned for:
- Wolverhampton: 19th October
- Birmingham: 13th November
Lightning Talks - What is it?
A lightning talk is a 5-10 minute slot to share something real from your experience as a creative tech freelancer or founder. No slides required, no polished pitch, no expert positioning. Just an honest account of something that's been significant in your journey.
It could be anything that's been real for you: finding your first client, applying for funding, attracting investment, pivoting your offer, navigating a health challenge while freelancing, making the leap from employment, working with a new technology, or something else entirely. The common thread is that it's yours, it's honest, and it would resonate with a room of people doing similar work.
Would you like to contribute a talk to this event? Sign up here:
Further information
All freelancer forum events are free to attend. Venues have been chosen to showcase co-working spaces across the region where freelancers can base themselves, work between meetings, and build the kind of proximity that leads to collaboration.
These events are supported by Ode Creatives, a Coventry-based agency creating culturally relevant campaigns, content and experiences that connect brands with diverse audiences and support underrepresented creatives. These events will be caputured, please email the team if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.
Access and Inclusion
We want everyone who needs to be in the room to be able to get there. A discretionary Access Fund is available to help remove financial barriers to attendance, including:
- Childcare costs during the event
- Travel costs where distance or transport access makes attendance difficult
The fund is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, complete the short access request when you register. Costs are reimbursed on receipt/invoice after the event.
If you have access requirements relating to the venue, format, or communication - including sensory, mobility, neurodivergence, or anything else - please let us know when you register.
To register please fill in this .
We’ll do our best to make it work, and we’ll keep improving our approach across the series.
Agenda
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Arrival, registration and networking
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Welcome, Introductions & who's in the room?
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Fireside chat with Doddz
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Lightning talks (x5 - 10 minute talks)
🕑: 12:50 PM - 01:00 PM
Closing remarks, signposting & what's next?
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch and networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
