MarTech in the North East
About this Event
MarTech in the North East
The marketing technology landscape is changing at a pace we’ve never seen before! The rapid rise of AI and a constantly evolving Digital and Marketing marketplace aren’t just global trends—they are defining the future of business right here in the North East.
Are you prepared? 🧐
This practical, no-nonsense discussion will provide invaluable insights from industry leaders and will explore the key challenges and opportunities facing businesses today, moving beyond the buzzwords to discuss hot topics.
What to Expect
Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals, fellow entrepreneurs and business owners from across the North East. Refreshments and panel speakers.
Who Should Attend?
This event is perfect for:
- Marketing Directors and CMOs
- Digital Marketing Managers and Specialists
- eCommerce Leaders
- Founders and Business Owners
- IT and Cyber Security Leaders
- Anyone responsible for driving business growth through digital channels or interested in learning more about the marketing and digital scene!
Grab your Early-bird ticket today!
If you'd like to be the first to receive updates and secure your place, contact us to be added to the mailing list and watch our for the hashtag #MarTechNE.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your peers and get ahead of the curve!
Sponsorship opportunity
Would you like to sponsor our wee event, it's not as much as you might think!
•••••
Panel Speakers
An expert panel, featuring some of the region's most influential industry figures will tackle the most pressing topics!
Lara is an expert IT Training Consultant and the founder of Lara Mellor Training and Consultancy in the Tyneside area. With over 25 years of experience, she helps organisations transform data overload into confident decision-making by training teams in Microsoft tools like Excel, Power BI, and Project.
Lara designs bespoke, hands-on courses tailored to her clients' everyday roles, ensuring long-term skill retention through ongoing post-session support rather than generic off-the-shelf programs. Her extensive background includes roles as an Excel Analyst and Developer, giving her deep, practical insights into data analysis. Through her customised training, Lara empowers teams to eliminate bottlenecks and work more efficiently.
laramellortraining.co.uk
Ross is a Sunderland-based Creative Director and Founder of Kenfolk, an independent studio specialising in brand identity, website design, and art direction. With over two decades of design agency experience, Ross builds authentic, purpose-driven brands for clients ranging from local start-ups to national names.
He champions a hands-on approach, combining sharp design and strong strategy with straightforward "northern honesty" to cut through industry jargon. Before founding Kenfolk in 2020, his extensive career included leadership roles such as Creative Director at Narrative Communications and Head of Design at Mediaworks Online Marketing. Ross also currently serves as a Creative Entrepreneur in Residence at Durham University Business School.
kenfolk.co.uk
Charlotte is a Darlington-based PR agency owner, presenter, and podcast host with over two decades of communications experience. In 2009, she founded Harvey & Hugo, a communications firm dedicated to giving businesses a voice through PR, social media, and content marketing.
She also hosts the PRsonal Podcast and leads Hugoversity, a training school that empowers organisations to curate their own brands. Known for her warm, down-to-earth style, Charlotte regularly presents on brand reputation and image. Additionally, she serves as Brand and Communications Consultant at the SME Centre of Excellence and contributes her expertise to various regional community boards.
harveyandhugo.com
Maxine is an experienced finance, business development, and operations professional with over 25 years of experience helping businesses secure funding, flourish, and grow. Currently serving as a Director at 5 Circles, she is also a dedicated Trustee for Corporate Relationships and Fundraising at Smart Works Newcastle.
Maxine's extensive career features key leadership roles, including Operations Director at Trusted Business Partner and Head of Business Operations at FRP Advisory. Prior to these roles, she spent over 7 years at UNW LLP spanning corporate finance and events management. With core strengths in stakeholder engagement and the public sector, Maxine brings a wealth of strategic expertise in guiding operational success.
•••••
Caroline Hagan is a Digital Consultant with over 25 years of experience in the digital sector and specialises in the intersection of Digital strategy, Marketing and AI, delivering expert-led workshops, webinars, and high-level business consultancy.
As the Founder of Career Hive and CEO of Get Kraken CIC., Caroline is a leading advocate for digital inclusion and accessibility within the North East. She has successfully orchestrated over 45 regional events, attracting more than 1,182 attendees and fostering a collaborative ecosystem to tackle the digital divide and reduce isolation among entrepreneurs.
By combining her deep technical knowledge with a passion for community leadership, she ensures that local business owners are equipped with the tools and connections necessary to thrive in an evolving digital landscape.
carolinehagan.co.uk
Nicola Halse is the founder of Riverside Marketing Solutions, bringing over 30 years of experience across marketing, sales and business development.
Having worked with businesses of all sizes across the North East, Nicola provides flexible fractional marketing support to organisations looking for experienced marketing expertise without the commitment of a full-time hire.
From social media strategy and content creation to email campaigns, copywriting and digital development, Nicola works alongside businesses to understand their goals and deliver practical, tailored marketing solutions that make a real difference.
With experience across a diverse range of sectors including renewables, engineering, cyber security and IT, Nicola’s approach combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, helping businesses strengthen their brand, connect with their audiences and achieve their ambitions.
riversidemarketingsolutions.co.uk
•••••
Zenith Systems • website
Your marketing technology is only as powerful as the foundations beneath it. As a managed IT service provider, Zenith Systems takes care of the essentials that keep modern companies moving.
Downtime, security issues and sluggish systems shouldn’t get in the way of opportunities. Whether it’s protecting customer data, automating backups, or fine-tuning tools like Microsoft 365 and your CRM, we handle the behind-the-scenes work that makes your technology perform the way it should.
When it comes to tech, we like to keep things simple, no jargon, no tech-speak, just clear, honest guidance from an experienced team who care about helping your business succeed.
Get Kraken CIC • website
Our goal is to reduce the digital skills gap, reduce loneliness and boost confidence. We've proudly organised digital-focussed webinars and networking events across the region, reaching over 1,000 participants 💖
One of the few organisations in the North East that is a Databank and can provide free data in the form of SIM cards, for those who could benefit from being online for money, health and work opportunities.
We're donating spaces to encourage fellow non-profit organisations to be in the room with fellow businesses and tech-folk, to encourage knowledge sharing and create awareness!
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Arrival and Networking
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel Discussion
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Q&A and wrap-up
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 6.66 to GBP 20.00
