Long-time BDF sponsor Brandwatch is the world’s leading social intelligence company, with world-leading people at the heart of it. They build intelligent software solutions that meet the needs of over 1,200 forward-thinking businesses, including Unilever, Whirlpool, British Airways, Walmart and Dell. Recently named a Leader in the Forrester Wave report into the global social listening sector, Brandwatch scored highest in strong vision and values and incorporating and understanding non-social voices, sentiment and emotion. Born in Brighton and with its HQ still in the city, Brandwatch is one of Brighton's ‘fused’ creative/ digital success stories. They are a founding partner of Brighton Digital Festival, supporting artist commission opportunities each year with a focus on innovation and emerging artists.
BrandwatchMPB transforms the way that people buy, sell and trade in photo and video kits. An online platform for used photography and videography equipment, MPB is a destination for everyone, whether you've just discovered your passion for visual storytelling or you’re already a pro.
Headquartered in the creative communities of Brighton, Brooklyn and Berlin and founded by Matt Barker in 2011, MPB has always been committed to making kit more accessible and affordable, and helping to visualize a more sustainable future. They recirculate more than 300,000 items of used kit every year, extending the life and creative potential of photo and video equipment for creators around the world.
For BDF21, MPB are generously commissioning our Lighthouse Young Creatives crew to document all the events and activities in the festival programme through kit and mentorship. Check out our BDF21 Camera Crew page to see how the team are getting on!
Uplift is a recruitment agency dedicated to finding and placing the best talent in digital, development, technology, SEO and digital marketing. Based in the heart of Brighton, moments from the clock tower, their network, experience and connections make them the ideal partner for Brighton digital agencies and clients building an internal developer team. They are advocates for finding permanent and rewarding roles in the Greater Brighton region and passionately support the BDF's mission to secure employment in Brighton for everyone.
UpliftBased in Brighton, Oban International helps international businesses grow. They are a digital marketing company specialising in cultural localisation, strategy, paid search, SEO and content.
Oban InternationalPlus X Brighton is an inspiring work space that unlocks potential, driving business growth and innovation, global collaboration & positive local impact. In partnership with specialist regeneration developer, U+I, they launched the first innovation hub, Plus X Brighton.
Plus X and the University of Brighton have recently launched an innovation programme to help ambitious businesses in Sussex and the South East innovate and scale. More information about the BRITE programme and how to apply via their website.
We're delighted they will be hosting a BDF Session: Cut through the hype: how to make better influencer marketing with online creators with Brillliant Noise for the festival this year as well as offering sponsorship to the festival.
Plus X BrightonBased in Brighton, Brilliant Noise is a strategic marketing partner for global brands.
They build the digital capability brands need to change and grow in the customer-first connected age, using a unique combination of data-led strategy, creative and action. They assemble the right blend of services for their partners to help them thrive. As consultants, they make marketing better by embedding skills and enabling teams to be more agile, connected and independent. As creatives, they make better marketing through content that earns attention with the right message in the right place at the right time.
We're delighted they will be hosting a BDF Session: Cut through the hype: how to make better influencer marketing with online creators with Plus X Brighton for the festival this year as well as offering sponsorship to the festival.
Brilliant NoiseIronworks Studios is this year's home to the BDF Sessions. It is a fantastic new multimedia event space in the middle of Brighton, and the HQ of Brighton & Hove Pride, the UK’s biggest Pride festival, a not-for-profit organisation. BDF are working with the incredible in-house tech team to live stream our panel talks making the BDF Sessions inclusive and accessible.
Ironworks Studios BrightonLilo Hard Seltzer will be welcoming our guest at our BDF Sessions.
Award-winning, naturally flavoured alcoholic sparkling water…aka Hard Seltzer.
A work of art on the inside - with bespoke Botanical Spirit and Scottish sparkling water.
A work of art on the outside - thanks to the Brighton-based acclaimed collage artist, Maria Rivans’ unique brand world. Designed in Brighton. Crafted in Glasgow.
Hand Brew Co is an independent brewing company with a brewpub in Brighton, and a brewery and taproom in Worthing, UK, creating high-quality accessible beers for every palate. We’re lucky enough to be able to sample their wares at this year’s BDF Hybrid Sessions.
Hand Brew CoBrighton Gin are supporting our BDF Sessions. Founded in the spirit of the values that Brighton holds dear and which make the city what it is: independent, fun-loving, open-minded and adventurous. Every year the distillery collaborates with an LGBTQ+ artist to not only platform their work, but to raise money for the Brighton Rainbow Fund. Brighton Gin’s 2021 collaboration is with the Brighton-based multidisciplinary artist and LGBTQIA advocate Fox Fisher.
Brighton GinLong-time supporters of BDF, FUGU are a public relations and communications consultancy, who make a positive impact for clients, for our community, and for each other! Their mission to work together to make things better, continues to align with the BDF mission.
Thank you Team FUGU!
FUGUJon Pratty is a writer, producer and corporate communications strategist with 30 years of award-winning experience in national and international digital media. He’s lived in Brighton and elsewhere on the south coast since 1984, and has been starting and developing cultural programmes and projects ever since then, too. When Jon worked at Arts Council England in 2010, he developed the first ideas and funding bid for Brighton Digital Festival, taking the concept to Lighthouse, Clear Left and Wired Sussex. Always involved as ACE arts officer, and then as Chair, Jon stepped down in 2017 after helping to guide BDF through some very successful sponsorship deals.