If you’ve been following our updates, you’ll know we’ve just started rolling out some exciting details about HiveMCR 2026, including our training masterclasses. Covering everything from technical SEO and content strategy, to AI Search, Digital PR and website tracking, from the UK’s very best talent – these sessions are an awesome value add to what has already become the north’s favourite SEO event.
There’s a lot more to come as we edge closer to what’s shaping up to be the biggest HiveMCR yet, as we are close to announcing our full roster of comedy, live music and DJ’s, making HiveMCR truly a festival of SEO.
Jump to:
- One City. Two Days.
- What to expect (Day 1, social, Day 2)
- HiveMCR 2026 line-up
- Why this matters
- Early Bee tickets
One City. Two Days. One Massive Opportunity
This year’s HiveMCR isn’t just the usual one day SEO event. We’ve expanded it into two full days of learning, networking and festivities.
What to expect across the two days
Day 1: Training masterclasses
A range of training masterclasses hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University, designed to give you actionable SEO, content and leadership skills you can use straight away.
Thursday evening: Opening social
An opening social at an iconic Manchester venue, complete with panel talks from some of the city’s best SEOs, plus music and drinks to kick things off in style.
Day 2 (22nd May 2026): The main event
The main HiveMCR conference at New Century Hall — a venue many of us have fond memories of from gigs and other cultural events in Mancjester. But this time, things are a bit different.
We’re combining industry-leading talks and panels with festival-style vibes, including entertainment, music and even stand-up comedy making HiveMCR feel less like a conference, and more like a party.
And yes, we’re finishing with the classic HiveMCR after-party, followed by more live music. Expect proper networking, great conversations and a real sense of community, something that’s quickly become a hallmark of our event.
HiveMCR 2026 — The Line-Up
We’ve got a stellar cast of speakers and sessions lined up:
Training masterclasses
- Gerry White
- Charlie Whitworth
- Lisa Paasche
- Shannon McGuirk
- Kyle Rushton McGregor
- Yagmur Simsek
Thursday evening opening social + Manchester All Star talks & panels
- Ryan White
- Charlie Whitworth
- Harrison Lemon
- Nikki Halliwell
- Jessica Atkinson
- Dawn Anderson
Main event speakers & panellists
- Dawn Anderson
- Alex Moss
- Jono Alderson
- Arnout Hellemans
- Itamar Blauer
- Carrie Rose
- Gianluca Fiorelli
- Ashley Liddell
- Shannon McGuirk
- Mark Williams-Cook
- Stephen Kenwright
- Sophie Brannon
- Lisa Paasche
Why This Matters for Anyone in SEO (Or Just Loves Great Events)
HiveMCR isn’t just another conference. It’s one of the few events in the UK that blends deep, expert-level organic search content with community, culture and connection, all wrapped up in the heart of Manchester – which let’s face it, is the UK’s capital of SEO.
Whether you’re focused on technical SEO, content strategy, UX, CRO, AI search or broader digital marketing disciplines, there’s something at the event for you at a time when expert counsel is more essential than ever.
And let’s be honest, it’s also a great excuse to get out of the office, gain some knowledge and have a bit of fun with like-minded people while you’re at it.
Don’t Sleep on Early Bee Tickets 🐝
Early bird tickets are limited and going fast, so if you want to be there, grab yours before they expire at the end of this month (January).
Book directly via the official site: hive-mcr.co.uk
Again, we’ll be sharing more updates soon including who’s DJing, what the comedy line-up will look like and more ways we’re bringing those festival vibes to SEO.
