It all starts Here
Here East, Plexal, and LMA are hosting their second It all starts Here event on 3 June 2026 - its celebration of SXSW London, one of the world’s most iconic festivals of innovation and creativity.
Bringing together leaders from across creativity and innovation to get into what’s really shaping the industry right now - from the future of talent to the rapid rise of AI.
Expect an afternoon of panels, networking, live music, free drinks, and a BBQ on the Here East campus in Hackney Wick.
Key Details:
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 2pm
Here East | 14 East Bay Lane, London E15 2GW
Agenda:
Please arrive at 13.30 for a prompt 14.00 start.
14:00: Panel hosted by Here East - Do spaces shape culture, or does culture shape spaces?
What will we explore? Creative work doesn’t happen in isolation; it's shaped by the spaces, communities, and networks around it. As London’s creative landscape evolves, so too do the environments that support experimentation, collaboration, and cultural production.
Confirmed panellists: Georgina Godwin (Moderator), Richard Broom (Jason Bruges Studio), Gus Casely-Hayford (Director, V&A East), Tamsin Ace (Director, East Bank)
14:00: Hawk London demo - Evolving Technology in Film
Experience the DJI Ronin 4D camera system used on Civil War, F1 and Adolescence, and try controlling a virtual film camera alongside film and television experts.
14:30: Workshop and Exhibition by University of Staffordshire London
What will we explore? Participants will explore the creative process behind designing 3D art for video games, discover industry techniques, and learn how game worlds and characters are brought to life. Visitors can also drop into a virtual reality experience showcasing outstanding student work, offering an immersive look into the creativity and innovation of University of Staffordshire London students.
Participants for the workshop can register directly with University of Staffordshire London.
Location: University of Staffordshire London via Fabric reception
14:45: Panel hosted by Plexal - Tech for Good: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
What will we explore? Violence against women and girls is not just a social issue - it is a major national security challenge. Join Plexal as we bring together innovators from startups, the public sector and industry to explore how technology can drive safer communities and effective societal change. Expect candid discussion, fresh thinking and practical insight into how tech innovation can strengthen public safety and protect those most at risk.
Confirmed panellists: Bruno Sussat (Plexal), Jamie Hodsdon (Waymo), Laura Suggitt (The Merittorcracy) and Eleanor Kaye (Augur)
15:30: Panel hosted by Texas House .
Come And Make It: The Texas–UK Innovation Exchange returns for Year 2 as a conversation exploring why Texas, and the broader U.S., have become such compelling destinations for innovative UK companies to launch, scale, and build. It will explore the mindset behind expansion decisions and lessons learned entering the U.S. market.
Confirmed panellists: Marisa Vickers (Moderator) with Kyle Thomas (SAIF Autonomy) and Cogna.
15:30: Activation by Creative Experience Lab London (CELL) jointly led by Loughborough University London and University College London - Performing Innovation: Collaborative Research in Immersive Futures
What will we explore? An unmissable live performance demonstration and fireside conversation, where cutting-edge research meets real-world artistry. Discover how cross-sector collaboration and deep community engagement around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are shaping the next generation of creative experience.
Confirmed panellists: Professor Andrew Chitty (CELL) Alexander Whitley (Alexander Whitley Dance Company), and Dr Lora Markova (CELL)
Location: Timber Yard reception
16:15: Panel hosted by Here East - Navigating the AI Wild West
What will we explore? The panel will dive into how emerging technologies - from virtual production and streaming to AI-generated soundtracks and advanced algorithms - are transforming film, television, and music, and what it will take for London’s creatives to stay ahead of the curve.
Confirmed panellists: Georgina Godwin (Moderator), Justin Diener (Synapse), Allan Rankin (Target 3D), Usha Raghavachari (Ford).
From 16:00: DJ in the Yard, music from Daisie Anderson
From 16:30: Network over a FREE BBQ by From the Ashes and a selection of drinks from Crate Brewery in the Here East Yard.
From 16:30: Experience an immersive installation that merges architectural light and sound from Architecture Socials Club called PARALLELS located next to Timber Yard.
From 17:00: Enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances featuring emerging new talent from LMA alongside standout artists from Austin, Texas.
17:30: Performance from Briscoe
18:00: Performance from Max Mercer
18:15: Performance from The Balla
18:30: Performance from Anjenae
18:45: Performance from Vicente Alonso
19:00: Performance from Robbie Bunsell
19:15: Performance from Tafara
19:30: Performance from DISARXY
20:00: Performance from Nagavali
20:30: Performance from Quiniten
*Please note, a SXSW London badge is not required to attend this event*
Hosted by Here East, LMA and Plexal.
Supported by Oury Clark and Texas House.
By registering for It all starts Here, you provide consent that all information provided on the registration form will be shared with Here East and their partners for this event.