Creative Industries Expo
Creative Industries Expo – Friday 27 February 2026
The Venue @ DMU | 10am–4pm | FREE to attend
The Creative Industries Expo is a major new addition to the Leicester Music Conference 2026, bringing together music technology, creative industries, education and sector support organisations in one vibrant, open-access space. Taking place at The Venue @ De Montfort University, the Expo is free to attend and open to artists, producers, educators, students and anyone interested in creative careers.
Across the day, visitors can explore cutting-edge music and creative technology, take part in practical workshops on music production and microphone technique, and drop into the Meet the Funders zone to speak directly with Arts Council England and the Step Up Fund. You can also meet with Amina Mahamud, Membership Secretary at the MMF, who leads on membership strategy and is the first point of contact for members. The Expo offers valuable opportunities to connect with artists, producers, educators and creative professionals from across the region and beyond.
Exhibitors include Sontronics, ROLI, Digit Music, Voyager, PRNT, Leicester Fashion District, TiME: Table of Music Tech, Tonic Music, Focusrite, Soundstrokes, Desi Trill, Clarion and the Independent Society of Musicians, and many more!
The Venue @ DMU is located directly opposite 2Funky Music Complex, making it easy to move between the Expo and the wider Leicester Music Conference activity across the day.
Address: The Venue @ DMU, 20 Western Boulevard, Leicester, LE2 7BU.
Advance booking is required via Eventbrite. Reserve your place here
Sontronics
Sontronics is a British microphone company trusted in studios and on stages around the world, with its microphones heard everywhere from Abbey Road to the BBC Concert Orchestra. Used by Grammy-winning engineers including Mark Rankin (Adele, Florence + The Machine) and Simon Gogerly (U2, Paloma Faith), the Sontronics range spans dependable dynamics through to premium studio condensers designed for exceptional detail, warmth and musicality.
At the Expo, Sontronics will run hands-on workshops focused on mic technique and placement, giving attendees practical tools to improve their recordings and better understand how different microphones shape a sound. Sontronics’ Chris Cook will also join a conference panel to share real-world insight into studio workflows and modern recording practice.
ROLI
ROLI is an innovative music technology company creating expressive digital instruments for modern performers and producers. Their lineup includes the touch-responsive Piano and Piano M, the gesture-controlled Airwave, and an interactive Learn app that helps users explore and develop their musical skills.
At the Expo, visitors can get hands-on with ROLI’s instruments and explore new ways of creating and performing with expressive touch and gesture control.
Independent Society of Musicians (ISM)
The ISM is the UK’s professional body for musicians, providing expert legal support, insurance, training and advocacy for performers, educators and creators.
At the Expo, visitors can speak with the ISM team to learn about membership benefits, professional protection, career guidance and the support available to help musicians thrive in today’s industry.
TiME - Technology in Music Education UK
The Table of Music Tech, curated by TiME (Technology in Music Education UK), is a hands-on space to explore some of the most interesting and innovative music technology available today. Try digital instruments, apps and creative tools designed for making, performing and experimenting with sound in new ways.
Whether you’re interested in music production, performance or technology-led creativity, the Table of Music Tech is a space for you to have a go and discover what’s possible.
Soundstrokes
Soundstrokes is an immersive application that allows users of all abilities to paint and evolve their environment with sound. Using movement, recording and gesture-tracking technology, physical actions and sounds are translated into unique interactive art, with pitch affecting the colour of each brush stroke, and the volume changing the brush size. Its real-time, motion-responsive interface allows you to create complex images and represent yourself creatively through multiple artistic mediums.
At the Expo, visitors can try soundstrokes, create their own visuals, and discover how this technology offers a completely new way of making art and music.
Voyager
Voyager blends creative technology with commercial insight to build immersive campaigns for the music and entertainment industries. Their team of developers, content creators and strategists craft AR and VR experiences, interactive merch, digital drops and other fan-first activations that connect audiences more deeply with artists and releases.
At the Expo, visitors can explore how Voyager’s tools and creative approach can help artists, labels and brands grow communities and create memorable, commercially focused experiences.
Leicester Fashion District
Leicester Fashion District is an independent creative initiative that champions emerging and established fashion designers and creatives from the city. Through a dynamic mix of fashion shows, music performances and ready-to-wear sales, they create exciting platforms that support the growth of new talent within the fashion industry. Their work sits at the intersection of fashion and music, collaborating with artists on styling, visuals and stunning live performance projects.
Visit their stand to discover how fashion, music and creative collaboration are shaping a fresh, accessible fashion scene in Leicester.
Tonic Music
Tonic Music is a charity dedicated to improving mental health across the music industry. Through training, resources and specialist support programmes, they help artists, crew and educators navigate the pressures of creative work.
At the Expo, attendees can access practical advice, learn about wellbeing strategies and discover support pathways that promote a healthier, more sustainable career in music.
PRNT
PRNT is a Leicester-based creative production house specialising in custom apparel, merchandise and visual branding. From T-shirts and hoodies to posters and media packaging, they offer everything from graphic design and screen-printing to digital printing all handled in-house.
At the Expo, PRNT will be on hand to discuss how they can help music projects, events or brands bring their visual identity and merch to life - fast, reliably and with creative flair.
De Montfort University (DMU)
De Montfort University’s undergraduate courses in Music Production and Music Technology offer students a practical route into contemporary music-making, sound and creative technology. The courses explore music production, audio, digital tools and creative approaches to making and working with sound, supporting students to develop both technical skills and creative practice.
At the Expo, the DMU team will be on hand to talk about undergraduate study routes, facilities, and how these courses connect to wider creative industries and professional pathways.
Crew Entertainment
Crew Entertainment is a creative agency and record label supporting music industry professionals through strategic, technology-driven digital services. Working with artists at all stages of their careers, they help develop brand identity, grow audiences and build sustainable income streams through digital strategy, creative content and online performance optimisation.
At the Expo, come meet the team to learn how artists build a professional presence beyond the music itself through digital branding and creative release strategies. Crew can help you find practical ways to grow a career in today’s music industry.
Unchained Music
Unchained Music is a global music distribution and artist services platform supporting independent artists and labels to release and promote their music. The service distributes releases to major streaming platforms while also offering release strategy, playlist pitching, marketing support, royalty advances, mastering and catalogue management, helping artists build sustainable careers while retaining control of their work. At the Expo Unchained Music will explain how music moves from finished track to public release, outlining practical steps in distribution, promotion and monetisation for emerging artists.
Music Managers Forum (MMF)
The Music Managers Forum is the world’s largest representative body for music managers, supporting over 1,500 UK-based managers as part of a global network. Founded in 1992, the MMF provides training, professional development, networking opportunities and advocacy, ensuring managers have a strong collective voice within the music industry.
Meet at the Expo: Amina Mahamud, Membership Secretary at the MMF, leads on membership strategy and is the first point of contact for members. She advises and supports music managers, helping them make the most of their membership. Amina will be available at the Expo to discuss how the MMF supports managers at every stage of their careers.
Digit Music
Digit Music is an inclusive music technology company designing tools that open up new ways of creating and performing. Their CMPSR controller reimagines how electronic music can be played, while the SWIPE app offers an intuitive, touch-based approach to composition and sound design.
At the Expo, visitors can try both tools first-hand and see how Digit Music’s innovative designs expand access to music-making across a wide range of settings.
Clarion
Clarion is an award-winning digital musical instrument that opens up creative music-making to everyone. Designed to be played with any part of the body, including eye-gaze technology, it allows performers to play expressively and brings the same possibilities for musical progression as conventional instruments. Visit the Clarion stand to explore its intuitive interface, try the instrument for yourself and discover how inclusive technology is reshaping the future of making music
Busk Leicester
We’re excited to launch Busk Leicester at Leicester Music Conference! A new approach to animating Leicester city centre spaces with vibrant creative talent in several licensed busking sites – all available to book for free of charge.
We welcome all types of street performance; from music to dance, circus skills to spoken word poetry. To get permission and secure your spot, please complete the booking form: Busk Leicester: Performer Application Form
If you have any questions you can meet the team at the Leicester Music Conference Creative Industries Expo!
Rockschool.io
For decades, Rockschool has been the go-to way to study and gain qualifications in rock, pop, and contemporary music. We're used in over 60 countries and have sold more than three million books. Today, Rockschool offers a complete music school system—curriculum, training, marketing support, business guidance, and a suite of digital tools for teaching and learning.
At the Expo, come and explore Backstage, our digital teaching platform, and find out about the Associate Programme for independent tutors and schools. We'll also be sharing professional development opportunities that help music educators get started and build successful careers in the industry. The team will be there to chat about how our resources can work for your teaching practice.
Intasound Music
Intasound Music is a long-established independent music shop and pro-audio specialist based in Leicester, supporting musicians, educators, venues and event professionals across the region. The family-run business offers a wide range of instruments, recording and live-sound equipment, alongside expert advice, repairs, installations and hire services.
At the Expo, Intasound will be showcasing a selection of instruments and music technology, with their team on hand to offer practical advice on choosing and using equipment for live performance, recording, education and rehearsal spaces.
Focusrite
Focusrite is a leading British audio products group, renowned for its Scarlett range of USB audio interfaces. These are widely popular with musicians, producers, and podcasters for their high-quality sound and accessible, user-friendly design. The company, which also produces Pro-level hardware and owns brands like ADAM Audio, focuses on creating professional-grade audio interfaces that facilitate music production.
Unloved Daughters
Sallyanne Kirk is a Leicester-based creative director and founder of Unloved Daughters, an avant-garde womenswear label redefining power and femininity through sculptural couture and conscious design. Her work has been featured in Vogue and on BBC News, recognising her bold, narrative-led approach to contemporary fashion. Working with deadstock and reclaimed textiles, she creates architectural silhouettes that merge vulnerability with strength. Recognised for sculptural bows, precise tailoring and bold proportions, her designs rework overlooked materials into powerful, emotionally charged pieces that embody presence and unapologetic self-expression. Alongside her label, Sallyanne champions ethical fashion and local creative talent through her wider work in Leicester’s fashion community. Unloved Daughters is more than a brand - it is a reclamation of narrative, celebrating women who take up space unapologetically.
