That’s right, following the resounding success of the inaugural HIVE MCR ’24, we are back in just a couple of months with what is surely one of the most stunning line-ups of organic search and marketing talent. Returning to the legendary New Century Hall, we are sticking pretty much to the same format that worked so well last year, with a few little tweaks to make the day even better than last time.
With speakers traversing technical SEO, digital PR, content marketing, neuroscience, confidence and of course, data, HIVE MCR ’25 will be laden with insights—and yes, the same free food and beverage touches that went down so well.
Whether you work in-house at one of Manchester’s many epic brands, are a junior at an agency or a senior looking to network and share insights with other seasoned pros, this is THE SEO conference of the year, and all with the backdrop of the UK’s capital of culture (and digital marketing).
HIVE MCR – Now For Something A Little Bit Different
We like to think HIVE MCR is different, much like our home city of Manchester. The event is fast paced, actionable and interactive. We gather topics from our attendees and our panels are moderated by agency owners, thought leaders and individuals who are at the front line of digital marketing execution.
📅 15th May 2025 | 📍 New Century Hall, Manchester, UK
🐝 Concise, high-impact talks: no waffle, just insight.
🐝 Engaging panel discussions: industry experts tackling the biggest questions in search.
🐝 Attendee-led Q&A sessions: you shape the conversation.
And, because we are at one of Manchester’s most iconic venues, you can trust that everything from sound, visuals and refreshments are befitting of such a space.
HIVE MCR ’25 – Speaker Line-Up
So, who’s speaking at HIVE MCR ’25?
🎤 Aleyda Solis – AI Search: Where Are We & What Can We Do About It?
AI search is evolving at breakneck speed. Aleyda will break down AI Overviews, ChatGPT visibility and organic traffic behaviour whilst giving you practical strategies to ensure your brand stays ahead.
🎤 Barry Adams – Managing Googlebot’s Greedy Tendencies
News SEO specialist Barry Adams will teach you how to optimise Googlebot’s crawling and indexing processes so your website gets maximum benefit without wasting resources.
🎤 Kirsty Hulse – Herding Cats and Hitting Goals
Marketing is chaotic. Kirsty will share practical strategies to help you focus, build confidence, and stay calm in the ever-changing search landscape.
🎤 Mike King – The End of SEO As We Know It
SEO is shifting, and fast. Mike will explain why traditional approaches no longer cut it and what we must do to stay ahead.
🎤 Lou Ali – Empathy Is a Role Requirement
Organic search isn’t just about rankings, it’s about understanding human behaviour. Lou will explain how empathy drives better brand reputation, engagement and collaboration.
🎤 Lisa Paasche – The Neuroscience of Authenticity
Being authentic isn’t just good for your personal brand, it actually makes you more successful. Lisa will break down the science behind authenticity and how it impacts decision making and trust.
🎤 Steve Paine – AI Chat & Brand Visibility: A New SISTRIX Study
AI Chat is reshaping search. Steve will reveal the latest SISTRIX data, showing how brands can adapt and maintain visibility in the era of generative AI.
HIVE MCR ’25 – Our Panel Discussions
This year’s event will feature three panel discussions, moderated by the same hosts as last year. If it ain’t broke and all that.
💡 Technical SEO in 2025
📢 Moderator: Charlie Whitworth
👥 Panelists: Sophie Gibson, Barry Adams, Beth Woodcock, Chris Green
🔥 A deep dive into the state of technical SEO in 2025, featuring insights from four of the best in the business.
💡 The State of Search In 2025
📢 Moderator: Stephen Kenwright
👥 Panelists: Mike King, Aleyda Solis, Ray Saddiq
🔥 How are brands engaging with SEO agencies today? What role is AI playing in strategy? What KPIs actually matter? This panel tackles it all.
💡 Digital PR in 2025
📢 Moderator: James Hayward-Browne
👥 Panelists: Louise Ali, Tabby Farrar, Hana Montgomery, Rosa Mitchell
🔥 What’s next for Digital PR? This discussion will break down the latest trends, challenges and winning strategies.
How to Get Your Free Ticket (Before They’re Gone)
HIVEMCR ’25 is one of the most in demand digital marketing events of the year. The last batch of free tickets are flying out, so get you and/or your team sorted before it’s too late.
