Conference 2025
“Play” : 12th–13th June 2025
BDF Conference returned for a second time for two days of workshops and talks held at BCU and the historic Birmingham Town Hall, celebrating the theme of Play to another sold out crowd.
BDF Conference returns
After the incredible success of our first Conference in 2023, BDF returned in the two-day format with a new venue, a new set of speakers, but the same fun and inclusive atmosphere as we celebrated play.
The historic Birmingham Town Hall provided a wonderful focal point in the city centre, where the new BDF mascot ‘Duke’ towered above the crowd flapping his arms in the sunny breeze as over 900 folks queued in Victoria Square in anticipation of the eight talks taking centre stage.
A day of workshops preceded Conference talks, with attendees treated to a range of sessions, from puppet making to mural painting.
2025 in numbers
1,000 in attendance
Our biggest ever single audience, with attendees, volunteers and speakers filling the Birmingham Town Hall.
Two Days, Two Venues
A more condensed version of the festival, combining the best bits for a more focused experience.
11 speakers, 7 workshops
Inspiring talks and engaging workshops to cater for all levels of participation.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt incredibly welcome, and the whole experience was absolutely electric. As someone who rarely steps into moments like these, I truly appreciated the trust and the platform to speak about something I care so deeply about.”
Chris Clarke – Editorial Creative Director at The Guardian
Speakers
Sponsors
Main partners
District partners
Media
Community
Supporters
