The comedian, writer and broadcaster joins the line-up at Aviva Studios, home to Manchester’s Factory International, next month.
MAD//North is thrilled to announce that award-winning comedian, writer and broadcaster Maisie Adam will appear as a special guest speaker when the unique marketing and creativity festival returns to Manchester next month.
Taking place at Aviva Studios alongside additional venues across Manchester’s St John’s creative district, the award-winning MAD//North 2026 will bring together thousands of marketers, creatives, founders and cultural leaders for two days of talks, experiences, conversations and, with Maisie, some humour.
Across two days, attendees can expect headline talks, workshops, live experiences and networking that blend marketing, culture and creativity in a way that feels distinctly northern. Inspired by the spirit of Northern Soul, this year’s theme celebrates the North’s independent mindset and long history of world-class creativity. From Wigan to Whitley Bay, that spirit continues to drive some of the most exciting developments in UK and global marketing. MAD//North 2026 will explore how this distinctive northern energy is shaping the future of the industry and redefining what great work can be.
Taking place on the festival’s main Factory Stage on Wednesday 25th February, Maisie Adam’s session will bring MAD//North’s Northern Soul theme to life, celebrating the North’s honesty, creativity and irrepressible spirit. Drawing on everyday experiences, cultural quirks and human behaviour, she will transform the familiar into sharp, insightful comedy, offering a fresh perspective on what really defines Northern communities. For brands and marketers, the session provides a distinctive chance to connect with genuine local culture, rooted in the bold thinking, originality and audience relationships at the heart of MAD//North.
Born in North Yorkshire, Maisie is one of the UK’s most in-demand comedy voices. She has appeared on Taskmaster, A League Of Their Own and Last One Laughing, alongside Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats and the Royal Variety Performance. She also co-hosts the hugely successful Big Kick Energy podcast with fellow comedian Suzi Ruffell, and will be heading out on an extensive UK tour with her brand new stand-up show, Whatsherface, in the autumn.
Maisie Adam said: “MAD//North is about bold ideas, creativity and authenticity, values I really connect with. I’m excited to share some Northern perspective with a room full of marketers and creative minds who shape how stories are told.”
Ian Houghton, Co-Founder of MAD//Fest, said: “Maisie is smart, fearless and brilliantly northern in spirit. She understands audiences, storytelling and culture in a way that resonates far beyond comedy, which makes her a perfect fit for MAD//North. We’re thrilled to have her join us.”
One of the other highlights of MAD//North 2026 will be a special session on Oasis, exploring how the band’s enduring cultural impact continues to influence brands, audiences and the creative industries. The session will examine how marketers have tapped into the band’s legacy to shape modern storytelling, connect with fans, and create work that resonates deeply across generations.
Five stages across two days:
Factory Stage – Wed 25 & Thurs 26 February The main stage, with a capacity of 1,100, will host headline speakers including leading CMOs, CEOs and founders reflecting on the 2026 theme of Northern Soul.
Media and Tech – Wed 25 February Covering media investment, digital advertising, AI, effectiveness, CTV, performance and data-driven decision-making.
Social and Discovery Commerce – Wed 25 February Exploring the explosive growth of social commerce and how brands can cut through in a space used by more than half the world’s population.
Retail Media – Thurs 26 February Sessions will cover commerce media, measurement, creative strategy, customer experience, monetisation and building scalable networks.
Content, Culture and Creativity – Thurs 26 February Celebrating the North’s creative influence and cultural heritage, this stage will showcase groundbreaking campaigns, innovative storytelling and the work that sets the North apart on a global stage.
Selected speakers and sessions:
• Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons, will open the festival by sharing insights from the company’s 150-year story.
• Manchester City and Rexona will explore the next era of fan engagement through global sport partnerships.
• The Oasis Effect: How Berghaus tapped Manchester culture to spark a social conversation, featuring Adam Field, VP Brand Marketing at Berghaus, and Jolyon Varley, co-founder of OK COOL, on how they created the biggest day of summer rooted in humour, individuality and Manchester culture.
Further speakers and full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks. MAD//North 2026 is expected to be the biggest gathering of its kind in the region, uniting marketers, innovators and creatives for two days of inspiration, provocation and real-world insight.
Tickets are available now, with an exclusive 20% discount when registering via the MAD//Fest website:Simply enter the code REDALERT at checkout to redeem the discount.
For more details, visit the website here
MAD//North takes place next month at Factory International (Aviva Studios), Manchester.
Factory International/Aviva Studios: Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ
