Experience On Main Street Conference: Transforming Spaces and Places

Join us at the Experience on Main Street Conference on 8 – 9 July 2025 in Manchester, where we delve into the transformation of spaces and places into vibrant experience led destinations.

buy TICKETs

The Speakers

We’re currently curating an exciting lineup of speakers for the 2025 Experience on Main Street Conference, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the experience economy. While this year’s speakers are still under wraps, last year’s programme offers a taste of what’s to come – featuring standout names such as Richard Parry, Head of Creative Services at the Department for Business and Trade; Nick Searl, Executive Director of Related Argent; and Stephen Mayhew, Chief Business Officer at The Francis Crick Institute. We also welcomed Andrew Caruso from Hatch, Richard Slaney from Lightroom, Mike Clewley from the Mayor of London’s Culture Team, William Chamberlain of Hackney Wick and Fish Island Community Development Trust, and Karrie Goldberg and Rowena Maddock from Outernet, among many others. These speakers brought bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and real-world insight into the conversations shaping the future of place and spaces into experience led destinations.

Natalie Daring

Senior Programme Manager
The National Trust

After spending 20 years working in science engagement in Manchester and across the UK, Natalie is now at the National Trust, supporting the charity’s ambition to end unequal access to nature, history and beauty. Leading on the Trust’s urban work in Manchester, Natalie works with local organisations and communities to support urban communities, heritage and nature to thrive.

Castlefield Viaduct is one of National Trust’s flagship urban projects; a green oasis in the sky, bringing joy and connection to many local people. With partners the Trust is embarking on plans for the future of the project.

Richard Parry

Chairperson
Experience UK

Recently retired from fifty years at the UK’s trade department where his achievements included leading the GCC export promotion team, transforming the approach to educational exports, co-founding Experience UK, creating Experience On Main Street (EOMS) and successfully failing to sell a UK subway system to China, Richard now relaxes by chairing Experience UK and working on EOMS. A published author, Richard has written for numerous in-flight magazines, Business Traveller, the Guardian, International Herald Tribune and Judy for Girls. Clubs: Arsenal, Surrey CCC, Dallas Cowboys, Racing (Buenos Aires).

James Wallman

CEO
World Experience Organisation (WXO)

James Wallman is CEO of the World Experience Organization (WXO), uniting 1,000 members in 44 countries. A leading voice in the Experience Economy, he’s authored two bestsellers, including Time And How To Spend It. A futurist and strategist since 2004, clients include Disney, KPMG, and IDEO. He’s a keynote speaker, media commentator, and advisor on climate and travel innovation. Educated at Oxford, London, and Cambridge, his most important role is being a dad to two amazing kids.

Keith Thomas

Chief Executive
Petersham Group

Joining the nascent Sea Life business in 1985, subsequently Development Director, overseeing roll out of Sea Life and Dungeon attractions throughout the UK and Europe. Joining Grant Leisure, projects included national museums, theme parks & brand lands. Establishing Petersham Group as leisure business consultants in 2003, our work is international in scope with projects in UK, across Europe, India, SE Asia, Middle East and China, a huge body & range of experience to draw from.