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Introducing Spark Lite 2025: A Fresh Take on Warwick District's Creative Sector Symposium!
After five years of incredible success, the Spark Symposium returns in 2025 with an exciting new format tailored to fit today’s busy schedules and evolving creative needs. Mark your calendars for Friday, 14 February 2025, as Spark Lite transforms the Royal Spa Centre into a dynamic hub for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration.
A Day Packed with Creative Energy
Running from 10am to 2pm, Spark Lite invites attendees to explore a vibrant mix of exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations, and with new features designed to make the most of everyone’s time. Highlights include:
- Interactive Exhibition Space: The main auditorium will house 24 stalls where local creatives can showcase their work, projects, and initiatives. This is your chance to see the heartbeat of Warwick District’s creative industries.
- Studio Theatre Presentations: Two hour-long sessions (10:30am–11:30am and 12:30pm–1:30pm) will feature quick-fire, 10-minute presentations by local creatives, sharing updates, opportunities, and projects.
- Makers’ Fair: In collaboration with Art in the Park, 20 local makers and artists will set up a vibrant outdoor market with unique, hand-crafted items available for sale until 4pm.
- Live Demonstrations: Throughout the venue, expect engaging live demonstrations from talented local creatives.
- Workspace: We understand that life doesn’t pause for conferences. Deadlines, emails, and projects often follow you, even as you network and learn. That’s why we’re excited to offer the Delegate Workspace, a dedicated area designed for attendees who need to catch up on work during the event.
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Book Tickets
Please note: On the booking landing page, you must select the number of tickets your require by clicking on the drop down menu on the bottom right of the page. This will allow you to progress to the next stage of the booking process. No voucher is required. Please call Johnathan Branson on 01926 456351 if you require any help.
FREE Lunch and Refreshments
Delegates can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and water throughout the day. A delicious FREE lunch will be served from 12pm–2pm for registered delegates.
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What’s New for 2025?
Spark Lite represents a streamlined and flexible format, inspired by feedback from past attendees who sought more local engagement and shorter, impactful events. In addition to this one-day celebration, we’re excited to announce Spark Presents - a series of year-round networking and professional development events launching in early 2025.
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Get Involved
We’re inviting the local creative community to play an active role in Spark Lite:
Opportunities to get involved:
- Exhibitors: Showcase your work in our interactive exhibition space with a free promotional stall.
- Demonstrators: Bring your craft to life with live demonstrations. Selected participants will receive a £350 honorarium.
- Presenters: Share updates, ideas, and opportunities in a 10-minute presentation on the Studio Theatre stage.
- Filmmakers: Showcase your short films in a relaxed setting in the upper foyer.
- Makers: Take advantage of one of 20 FREE market stalls outside the Royal Spa Centre’s front entrance to sell your creations to delegates and the public.
Interested? Visit the 'get involved' page on our website.
Hurry—spaces are limited! Expressions of interest close Friday 10 January 2025.
About Spark
Since its launch in 2020, Spark Symposium has brought together more than 2,000 participants from across Warwick District to transform creative ideas into actionable growth. Featuring over 100 speakers, 42 panel discussions, and 15 workshops, Spark has become a cornerstone event for Warwick District’s thriving creative sector.
Spark Lite 2025 continues this tradition with a fresh perspective, ensuring that Warwick’s creative industries remain vibrant and connected.
Event Details
- Date: Friday 14 February 2025
- Time: 10am–2pm (Makers’ Fair open until 4pm)
- Venue: The Royal Spa Centre, Warwick District
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Spark Lite:
1. Who is Spark for?
Spark is for anyone working in or interested in creative industries such as craft, film, TV, radio, photography, museums, galleries, libraries, music, performing arts, visual arts, advertising, marketing, architecture, gaming, product design, graphic design, fashion, IT software, and publishing. While the event primarily focuses on Warwick District, it’s open to anyone who wants to explore the local creative scene and contribute to its growth and celebration.
2. Why is the event taking place now?
There’s a strong sense within the creative sector that, while the area is rich in talent and creativity, there is a lack of connection between local creatives and organisations. Spark Lite aims to bridge that gap by bringing people together, celebrating local creativity, and fostering new collaborations. While Spark won’t solve every challenge, we believe it’s an important step in the right direction.
3. How is Spark Lite different from previous Spark events?
Spark Lite is a more streamlined version of the traditional Spark Symposium event. Feedback from previous attendees showed a desire for shorter, more focused experiences. People wanted more local involvement and opportunities to share updates without committing to a full-day symposium. Spark Lite is designed with those needs in mind—offering a compact and dynamic experience.
4. How can I get involved in Spark?
There are many ways to participate! You can deliver a presentation, host a stall in our exhibition space, provide a demonstration, or simply attend as a delegate. To register your interest in taking part, contact Johnathan Branson, Projects and Development Manager (Arts) at johnathan.branson@warwickdc.gov.uk, with an outline of how you would like to get involved.
5. Will the event be live-streamed?
No, live streaming isn’t part of Spark Lite this year. Feedback from our recent surveys showed that few attendees were interested in live streaming, so we’ve decided to focus on providing in-person experiences. However, we will record all sessions and make them available shortly after the event.
6. How much does it cost to attend Spark?
Spark Lite is completely free to attend, but you will need to register for a ticket in advance.
7. Are you using the Whova app again?
No. Based on feedback, we’ve decided not to use the Whova app this year. Instead, we’re going back to basics and prioritising face-to-face networking, allowing for more personal interactions and connections.
8. Do I need to book tickets for individual sessions?
The two sessions in the Studio Theatre are drop-in, so you don’t need to book a seat. However, spaces are limited to 170 people per session, so we recommend arriving early to secure your spot!
9. How accessible is the Royal Spa Centre and Spark sessions?
We’re committed to making Spark Lite accessible to as many people as possible. You can share your accessibility needs during the booking process, and you’ll find more details about the venue’s accessibility on our accessibility page.
10. Do I need to attend the entire day?
Not at all! Feel free to attend for as much or as little of the event as you like, depending on your schedule. Whether you’re popping in for some networking or staying for the full day, we’ll be happy to see you!
11. Will I get a ticket?
Based on previous events and the venue’s capacity, we expect around 250-300 people to attend, so we’re confident that you’ll be able to secure a ticket. However, please register early to ensure your place.
12. Are there any hashtags I can use for the event?
Yes! Use #WDSpark2025 on social media and mention @Warwick_DC and @spacentre.
13. How can I provide feedback about the event?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! After the event, please fill out our short online feedback form to let us know about your experience.
14. Will you be taking photographs during the event?
Yes, we’ll be photographing and filming throughout the day for promotional and evaluation purposes. You’re welcome to take your own photos and videos, but please be respectful of speakers and fellow delegates. All sessions will also be recorded and made available on the Spark YouTube channel shortly after the event.
15. How can I stay up to date with arts and culture news in Warwick District?
Sign up for the Warwick District Arts Newsletter to receive the latest updates on local arts and culture events.
Have a question that isn’t listed here?
Feel free to get in touch with us directly—we’re happy to help!
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Previous Spark events
Spark:Ignite 2024 is unavailble due to technical challenges
Find out more about Spark:Ignite 2023
Find out more about Spark:Ignite 2022
Find out more about Spark:Ignite 2021
