The BIG Conversation 2026

Southend Creatives: The Big Conversation 2026

Friday 6^th November 6:00pm to 9.00pm
(Doors open from 6.00pm, event starts promptly at 6.30pm)

Maritime Room at the Cliff’s Pavillion.

Join us for The BIG Conversation 2026! Each year, Southend Creatives brings together local politicians, decision makers, and the creative community to have an open conversation about the local creative sector.

The creative industries contribute £124 billion GVA nationally and employ 2.4 million people, with 36,000 creative workers in Essex alone. How do we continue to harness the powerhouse of the creative industries to positively impact our local communities and creative professionals in Southend-on-Sea and South Essex?

The BIG Conversation aims to both nurture constructive dialogue, as well as raise awareness about the breadth and depth of talent at the heart of Southend and South Essex’s creative community.

With more details to be confirmed, the evening will include a panel discussion, case studies and a chance to network with local creative professionals, organisations and politicians in a friendly and relaxed environment.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Southend Creatives Team

Photo credit: Nicola Parry