Hotel Designs took MEET UP North to new heights (and new streets) this year, swapping Manchester-cool for Liverpool-glamour – it was all about style, substance, and a spotlight on accessible design…
On Wednesday, 9th July, Hotel Designs and co hit the road and headed north for its second MEET UP event of the year – this time landing in the vibrant city of Liverpool. For the first time ever, MEET UP North waved goodbye to Manchester and set its sights east for a sun-drenched soirée at the lively BOXPARK venue at Liverpool’s Cain Brewery site.
With the Lionesses fresh off a Euros win, the city was already buzzing – and our guests matched the mood perfectly. Designers and suppliers from all corners of the UK arrived as the disco balls above BEATBOX (our private upstairs space) began to shimmer and sparkle in the early evening sun.
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- Image credits: Roscoe Rutter
Returning this year were our signature supplier-buyer lanyards – a reliable icebreaker alongside the free-flowing drinks. Conversations sparked between both familiar faces and new connections.
As appetites grew, guests were treated to a tasty first round of street food: crispy salt and pepper chicken bites, golden halloumi fingers, and crinkle-cut fries. These crowd-pleasers were just the warm-up for the main culinary event – gourmet smash-patty burgers that hit the spot.
Then it was time to turn the spotlight on something a little more thought-provoking. With full bellies and open minds, guests settled in for the second talk in our Accessible Design Talks series. Hosted by Editor Sophie Harper, the panel welcomed two trailblazers in inclusive design: Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Founder and Creative Director at Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co, and Melissa Messmer, Global Head of Design, Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Image credit: Roscoe Rutter
The discussion, titled ‘Accessibility Through the Lens of Neurodivergence’, explored the importance of designing hospitality spaces that are not just accessible, but truly inclusive. We will be soon be publishing a full take of the conversation, but for now, here’s a sneak peek from moderator Sophie:
“Last night, we heard from Melissa Messmer and Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́ about their collaborative approach to research and the development of design practices that will create not just accessible spaces in hospitality, but inclusive spaces for all. The conversation revealed a number of key points that the audience admitted to not having thought about before, which is exactly the point in our series of Accessible Design Talks. We’re so hopeful that the ongoing discussions will inspire the design community to carry out their own research and make changes in the way that they approach accessible design.”
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- Melissa Messmer | Image credit: Roscoe Rutter
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- Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́ | Image credit: Roscoe Rutter
The conversation sparked plenty of thoughtful discussion well into the evening – but of course, this being MEET UP North, the night didn’t end there. With another round of food, more drinks, and a healthy dose of dancing, the event carried on long past sundown… and well into the early hours for some (mentioning no names… ahem, Soph)…
As the final beats of the night echoed through BOXPARK and the last glasses were raised, MEET UP North 2025 proved once again why these events are so much more than just networking. They’re about community, creativity – and the occasional questionable dance move.
Scroll down to relive the night in pictures, our gallery captures all the sparkle, smiles and seriously good vibes from Liverpool!
Main and gallery image credits: Roscoe Rutter
