Written by Jack Ellis

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Last week, Andrew Williams and I had the pleasure of representing Mogl’s UK office at MAD//Fest North - and we left feeling genuinely energised by the people and perspective shaping the future of media in the North.

With more than 4,000 brands, agencies, publishers, creators, and tech platforms gathered in Manchester’s St John’s creative district, the atmosphere was vibrant, open, and collaborative. MAD//Fest has always had personality - but what stood out most this year was the strength of connection across the Northern media community.

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The Big Takeaway

The Northern media scene is thriving,  and deeply connected.

We went in hoping to spend meaningful time with peers and partners, and that’s exactly what we did. The conversations were thoughtful, the curiosity was real, and the sense of shared ambition across independents, platforms, and brands was unmistakable.

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Highlights from the Ground

• The Power of Advocacy: It’s always humbling to be reminded how much this industry runs on relationships. From warm introductions to candid conversations, the generosity of peers and partners continues to shape how we grow and collaborate.
• Northern Hospitality: Reconnecting with old media friends was a highlight. The openness, insight, and willingness to share perspective is something the North does exceptionally well - and it’s a big part of what makes working in this industry so rewarding.
• Community Spirit: Spending time with the brilliant team at the Alliance of Independent Agencies was another standout moment. The independent community in the North isn’t just growing - it’s actively supporting one another. That spirit of collaboration is what keeps the industry evolving.

We also enjoyed catching up with our partners at The Trade Desk, reinforcing just how aligned the ecosystem is around innovation, transparency, and smarter programmatic execution.

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Looking Ahead

If MAD//Fest North proved anything, it’s that the momentum outside of London is real. The creativity, ambition, and collaboration happening in Manchester and beyond is shaping the next chapter of UK media.

A huge thank you to the MAD//Fest team for bringing the community together so thoughtfully.

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Didn’t get a chance to connect at MAD//Fest? It’s not too late! Feel free to book a meeting with me - I’d love to continue the conversation.

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At Mogl, we help independent agencies and growth-focused brands unlock the full power of programmatic by providing access to the industry’s leading platforms, premium inventory, and expert strategy. From CTV to omnichannel activation, our team ensures your media investment works harder, and smarter. Ready to elevate your approach? Contact our team today to learn how we can support your next stage of growth.

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