TedxTrafford: Future Proof — Human by Design Event
24th June 2026, 4:01 pm
Join us for TEDxTrafford 2026: Future Proof — Human by Design, a live TEDx experience bringing together bold thinkers, changemakers, creatives, leaders and community voices to explore one urgent question:
In a world being reshaped by technology, pressure, uncertainty and change — how do we stay deeply human?
This year’s theme invites us to think beyond survival and ask what it means to build a future rooted in courage, connection, creativity, wellbeing, inclusion and purpose.
Expect powerful TEDx talks, meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives and a room full of people who care about the future of leadership, community and human potential.
Future Proof :Human by Design
We are living through a defining moment.
Artificial intelligence is transforming work.
Burnout is reshaping leadership.
Young people are navigating an uncertain future.
Communities are seeking belonging in a divided world.
Organisations are asking how to innovate without losing empathy.
And many of us are wondering how to grow, adapt and thrive without becoming disconnected from ourselves or each other.
Future Proof : Human by Design is about choosing to design a future that does not simply become faster, louder or more automated — but wiser, kinder and more human.
This TEDxTrafford event will explore ideas connected to:
• human-centred leadership
• high performance and sustainable success
• resilience, identity and belonging
• creativity, innovation and technology
• wellbeing in a changing world
• community, culture and social impact
• the future of work, learning and human connection
This is not just an event about the future.
It is an invitation to shape it.
Confirmed speakers
Professor Damian Hughes
Professor Damian Hughes is a bestselling author, international speaker, organisational psychologist and co-host of The High Performance Podcast, where he and Jake Humphrey explore the behaviours, mindset and habits of world-class performers across sport, business, entertainment and culture.
Damian is known for his work in high-performance cultures, leadership and organisational change. He is the founder of LiquidThinker, a consultancy specialising in cultural change and employee engagement, and is recognised for helping leaders, teams and organisations understand how to build sustainable high performance.
His work brings together practical experience, academic insight and powerful storytelling — making him a compelling voice for a TEDxTrafford theme focused on performance, humanity and the future of leadership.
Katy Leeson
Katy Leeson is a leadership and mindset coach, award-winning speaker, marketing leader and former Managing Director of Social Chain. She played a significant role in scaling Social Chain from a fast-growing Manchester start-up into a global agency, with sources noting growth from around 30 staff to more than 130 in its early stage, and wider speaker profiles crediting her with helping grow the business to hundreds of employees globally.
Katy is also the former CEO of Relentless Group and has been involved in building major media and sports content brands, including work connected to The Overlap.
Today, Katy speaks and coaches on leadership, growth, imposter syndrome, confidence and purposeful success. Her story and expertise bring a powerful perspective on what it takes to lead, grow and remain authentic in high-pressure environments.
James Sutton
James Sutton is aBritish actor, writer and speaker,best known for his roles in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale and his decades of experience in the public eye, as well as playing roles that explored ‘taboo’ storylines, James specialises in decision-making, reliability, and performance under pressure.
Alongside his acting career, James is thefounder of Protocol,an organisation that looks to align structure, consistency, and small non-negotiable commitments with rebuilding confidence, direction and identity in uncertain times. His writings and tools offered through Protocol are utilised by professionals navigating career transitions, leadership pressure, and identity shifts after major life changes, providing leaders, founders, men’s groups, and more with practical advice on how to perform when motivation is stifled, certainty is unclear and how to use discipline as a grounding asset.
He is also the host of the Male Mind Matters podcast,where he dives into the lives of everyday men and looks to break down emotional barriers, redefine masculinity, and cultivate candid conversations. James has been previously nominated for Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards and has received praise for his performances from a multitude of media outlets and organisations.
Who should attend?
This event is for you if you are:
• a leader, founder or entrepreneur thinking about the future
• a professional interested in innovation, wellbeing or human-centred leadership
• a student, young person or emerging changemaker
• a creative, educator, coach, activist or community leader
• passionate about ideas, personal growth and social impact
• curious about how technology and change are reshaping humanity
Whether you come for inspiration, insight, connection or challenge, TEDxTrafford 2026 is designed to leave you thinking differently.
What to expect
Across the day, you can expect:
- live TEDx talks from carefully selected speakers
- powerful stories and future-facing ideas
- opportunities to connect with like-minded people
- conversations around leadership, identity, innovation and humanity
- a vibrant, inclusive and thought-provoking atmosphere
- a celebration of ideas rooted in Trafford, Greater Manchester and beyond
Following the success of TEDxTrafford 2025, we are returning with a bold new theme and a renewed commitment to showcasing voices that challenge, inspire and move us forward.
12:30 – 1pm: Registration /Networking
1pm – 6 pm: Tedx Trafford Speakers
6 -10 pm- Celebration / Networking /Music / panel Events / Fireside Chat with Tedx Trafford Alumni and Local Academics
** Final Speaker list will be released 22nd June 2026 **
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a community that celebrates diversity and strength.
Come and be a part of the conversation at TedxTrafford: Future Proof: Human by Design!
High Profile Guest Speakers from Trafford Council & Guests will be in attendance.
STANDARD TICKETS – entry to the event, standard seating and no drinks included
VIP TICKETS – Premium table seating at the front of the venue , drinks ,food , TedxTrafford programme included and a TEDxTrafford gift bag
Connect with us on Linkedin, Instgram and Facebook
Next Article
Royal Doulton and Seventy7 expand partnership into organic social