With less than one week to go, anticipation is building for HARK Live, taking place at voco Manchester on 29th April 2026. Set to bring together the digital audio advertising sector, the event promises a full day of insight, discussion, and connection – while also marking the official launch of HARK Collective.
Whether you’re from an agency, a brand, or part of the wider media ecosystem, HARK Live is designed to spark ideas, break misconceptions, and explore where the industry is heading next. The agenda is packed with thought-provoking sessions from some of the most innovative voices in digital audio, each tackling key themes shaping the future of the space.
Think Like a Customer
Roger Cutsforth (audioadpro) and Paul Coleman (Humanise) will open up a powerful conversation around what it really means to understand audiences. Moving beyond surface-level data, this session dives into the importance of empathy – observing real lives and understanding real human pressures. It’s a reminder that to ‘Think Like A Customer’ you need to become them, walk alongside them and listen to both what they are saying and what they are avoiding saying out loud.
Know Before You Grow: Why Audience Strategy Comes First in Podcasting
Alex Jungius and Becky Lamb-Pritchard from Distorted will challenge the rush to produce content without clarity on who it’s for. This session explores how deep audience understanding shapes everything – from format to distribution – and why long-form podcasting continues to thrive, even in a short-form dominated world.
We Need to Talk About the Ws
Ben Morris from Get Carter Productions will break down the creative fundamentals behind effective digital audio advertising across different channels. This session will explore the methods and nuances that help campaigns stand out while still feeling authentic and relevant.
Before You Hit Record
Hosted by Nigel Clucas and curated by ACCENT, the session includes James Brownlow, Founder of ACCENT, sharing a case study on using audience insight to support the launch of Kiss’ new breakfast show. Sam Zniber of MediaDatak will follow, presenting “Stop Guessing. Start Predicting Podcast Success”, exploring how simulating audience reactions allows you to test concepts, formats, hosts, and monetisation ideas, to see how listeners are likely to respond. The session concludes with a live version of the Decommissioned Podcast, showing first-hand how audience insight can be reflected in content.
Breaking Down Gaming Stereotypes
Carla Harrison from Audiomob will take a fresh look at mobile gaming audiences, breaking down outdated stereotypes and revealing the scale and diversity of this space. Expect insights into how non-intrusive audio ads are reshaping in-game experiences and opening new opportunities for advertisers.
How Data is Driving the Audio Evolution
Russell Pedrick and Rachel Holsgrove from Octave will explore how first-party data, combined with emerging AI tools, is helping brands better understand and engage their audiences. This session will focus on turning insight into more impactful, personalised advertising experiences.
Beyond the sessions, HARK Live is about bringing the industry together. It’s a space to meet peers, exchange ideas, build relationships and network with other delegates in the room. It’s a chance to reflect on where we are, explore where we’re going, and connect with the people shaping that journey.
See you in Manchester.