A Manchester-based digital conference is expanding its funded ticket scheme aimed at students, career switchers and early-career professionals, as concerns grow over access and diversity within the industry.
Camp Digital, run by Nexer Digital, will offer around 100 “Rising Stars” places this year, providing free access to its annual event for those who might otherwise be unable to attend.
The scheme, which includes both in-person and live-stream tickets, is designed to address persistent barriers to entry in digital and design careers, including cost, limited professional networks and a lack of representation.
The event, held at the Royal Northern College of Music on Thursday 7 May 2026, has become a fixture in the UK’s digital and design calendar, attracting practitioners from the public sector, charities, agencies and industry for a day of talks focused on how technology shapes real-world services and experiences.
A diverse speaker line-up has been confirmed, including Rachel Coldicutt, ethical technologist and founder of Careful Industries, digital transformation leader Himal Mandalia, Dan Barrett, head of data and AI at Citizens Advice and Laura Yarrow, head of design at GOV.UK.
Hilary Stephenson, managing director of Nexer Digital, said: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t always evenly distributed. Our Rising Stars programme is one small but tangible way we can help shift that balance. It’s a practical way of opening the door to people who might otherwise be excluded from spaces like this. We want to make sure the future of digital is shaped by a wider range of voices, not just those who already have access to industry networks or support behind them.”
The programme offers full access to conference talks, workshops and networking opportunities, placing recipients alongside industry professionals, employers and public sector teams. Organisers say the aim is widen access, integrate new voices into the industry conversation and support greater diversity.
This year’s programme will also see a Rising Stars participant take to the stage as part of the event’s “300 Seconds” lightning talks, which provides a platform for speakers from underrepresented groups and those early in their careers to share ideas and build visibility within the industry.
Camp Digital typically attracts around 500 in-person attendees, alongside a wider online audience. Funded tickets make up a significant proportion of that mix, with the scheme having supported hundreds of attendees since its launch.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with universities and community organisations, including Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford and programmes such as Manchester Digital’s Digital Her and Digital Futures, which focus on improving access to digital careers.
Mark Porter, senior lecturer in web design and coding at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Opportunities like the Rising Stars tickets are vital because they lower the barrier between the classroom and the industry. By attending events like Camp Digital, students gain the confidence to see themselves as part of the professional community, helping them to translate their academic skills into real-world career paths. It’s a top-tier networking event on our doorstep.”
The Rising Stars programme also helps participants by bringing them directly into contact with employers, agencies and peers in a setting designed to be inclusive and accessible.
Aditya Shah, 22, from Manchester, a Rising Stars attendee and who is taking part in this year’s “300 Seconds” lightning talks, said: “Rising Stars is giving me a stage in front of an industry audience I couldn’t have reached on my own, and I think it’ll open doors I don’t even know exist yet.”
Rising Stars tickets are allocated through partner organisations, nominations and direct applications.
