In pictures: party at LEVEN for MEET UP North 2024

Last week, the MEET UP North 2024 event unfolded at LEVEN Hotel, Manchester, igniting a vibrant tapestry of connections and collaborations. Deputy Editor Megan Christopher shares the highlights and official photos from the night…

meet up north 2024

Picture this: 200 interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers, and suppliers converging under one roof—a dynamic blend of expertise and creativity. As the evening unfolded, guests revelled in a fantastic space, where old friendships rekindled and new ones sparked. Conversations flowed, ideas interwove, and the pulse of hospitality design reverberated throughout the room. MEET UP North wasn’t just an event; it was a symphony of shared insights, a testament to the power of collaboration.

In those spirited exchanges, professionals found common ground, forged alliances, and glimpsed the future of their industry. The clinking of glasses and the hum of animated discussions underscored the significance of these connections. MEET UP North wasn’t merely a gathering — it was a catalyst for growth, a canvas where ideas blossomed, and relationships took root.

So, as the night unfolded, we celebrated more than just a successful event; we celebrated the spirit of collaboration—the heartbeat of our community. MEET UP North provided a stage for professionals to connect, network, and weave the fabric of tomorrow’s innovations. And in that shared space, we discovered anew the magic that happens when minds meet, ideas collide, and partnerships flourish.

Once the room had filled and everyone had a drink in hand, Hotel Designs Publisher Katy Phillips took to the mic to introduce the evenings incredible panel discussion on ‘Hospitality in the Metaverse’ where Editor Sophie Harper was joined on stage by Timothy Griffin, Principal, Wellbrook Hospitality & Co-founder, LEVEN, Veronica Givone, Principal & Managing Director of Hospitality, IA Interior Architects and James Addison, Creative Director, forpeople. The panellists discussed the pros and cons of AI as designers, offering hotel guests a wider experience in the Metaverse and how we can harness the power of AI as a tool in our day-to-day work lives. If you missed it, keep an eye out for our full write up of the conversation.

“Exciting things are happening at Hotel Designs” commented Harper, “with a successful start to the year with both of our MEET UP events, we look forward to the launch of another fantastic DESIGN POD and the lead up to the event of the year, The Brit List Awards! We can’t wait to round off what has been such a fantastic year at our fabulous awards ceremony.”

Here are the official photos released of MEET UP North 2024.

Main image credit: MEET UP London / Hotel Designs

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.