Access All AreasMusic magazine NME has gained the support of the University of Salford for its #LifeHacks event. The sponsorship agreement results in the event franchise growing to a year-long campaign.
NME #LifeHacks will be on the road with a speaker series for 10 dates. Guest speakers across a range of industries such as music, fashion, film and tech, are invited to share their career and life advice.
Two events will play host to a day of talks from high-profile experts, Q&A sessions and workshops with the university on hand to offer advice and guidance. In the Hack-Space, entrepreneurs can test their presenting skills to showcase their start-up businesses, while networking masterclasses will help young people build their connections. A live gig will bring the flagship events to a close.
Young talent will also get the chance to gain workplace skills through NME’s Ultimate Work Experience, a programme offering placements to 20 aspiring event profs across a range of various industries. Design workshops headed up by NME’s creative director will also see budding creatives compete to create promotional material for the campaign.
“With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it’s never been more important to support the development of young people,” said Mike Williams, NME editor-in-chief.
Williams said working with the University of Salford will ensure that NME #LifeHacks “is bigger and more effective than ever, meaning that more young people will be inspired to follow their dreams and make the most of the opportunities around them”.
The event includes sharing advice with young people on how to break into the creative industries, the initiative includes events, a work experience programme and video series.
Commenting on the collaboration, Hannah Burchell, associate director of marketing, University of Salford, said: “Helping todays young people to identify and take advantage of opportunities to work directly with business and industry experts is at the heart of our teaching model.
“We look to equip our students with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world and working with NME brings a unique and inspirational approach to preparing young people for life.”
Jamal Edwards MBE took to the stage as the headline speaker in 2016 with Tinie Tempah bringing the event to a close with an intimate gig. The speaker line-up included fashion designer Holly Fulton; youth culture media company Disrupt co-founder Phil Kemish; BAFTA winning comedian Heydon Prowse and founder of independent record label Disturbing London, Dumi Oburota.
The campaign started on 1 September with the first event running on 23 November.
Photography: Andy Hughes