Develop:Brighton 2016 is almost here, meaning that a large number of those in the UK games industry (and beyond) are preparing for a few days of networking at the seaside.
If you're attending, you'll no doubt already be clued up on the 2016 conference schedule. But what's going on after hours, and where are the best opportunities to network?
We, being ever so slightly biased, would suggest that The Big Indie Pitch deserves a place atop your list. But you knew that already.
So here, we've run down the best opportunities to grab a drink and a fistful of business cards at Develop:Brighton across all three days - and how you can get involved.
TUESDAY 12 JULY
- What: Develop Ice Breaker Welcome Drinks
When: Tuesday, 12 July, 6pm
Where: Waterhouse Bar & Terrace, Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, King's Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
Cost: Free
- What: The Big Indie Pitch with Amazon Appstore and Chillingo
When: Tuesday, 12 July, 7pm
Where: Volks, 1-3 The Colonnade, Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1PS
How: Spectator and Pitcher tickets available via Eventbrite
Cost: Free
More info: Our famous Big Indie Pitch event brings its speed dating-inspired approach to the Brighton seaside, giving independent developers of mobile, VR, or even smartwatch games the chance to wow our judges for glory (and prizes). More than this, however, it's an excellent networking opportunity in its own right, with those not pitching more than welcome to watch the events unfold before the winners are announced and networking drinks ensue.
- What: GamesAid Charity Poker Tournament
When: Tuesday, 12 July, 8pm
Where: Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, King's Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
How: 60 places available, first come first served. Guarantee a place here.
Cost: £50 buy-in
More info: Texas Hold 'Em No Limit with a £50 buy-in. All profits go to GamesAid. Prizes will be provided for the winners, and players of all ability levels are welcome.
WEDNESDAY 13 JULY
- What: Women in Games Networking Lunch
When: Wednesday, 13 July, 12:30pm
Where: Brighton Music Hall, 127 Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN
How: First come, first served; RSVP here.
Cost: Free
More info: Not part of the conference programme, so Develop ticket not required in order to attend.
- What: Speaker and Media lunch (invite only)
When: Wednesday, 13 July, 1pm
Where: Waterhouse Restaurant, Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, King's Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
Cost: Free
How: Invite only, request invitation here
- What: Develop Expo Booth Crawl
When: Wednesday, 13 July, 5pm
Where: Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, King's Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
Cost: Free
More info: An opportunity to have a drink from the Develop Bar & Networking Lounge and meet people at the booths.
- What: Develop Industry Excellence Awards
When: Wednesday, 13 July, 7pm
Where: Oxford Suite, Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, King's Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
How: Tickets available here.
Cost: £239
More info: Peer-voted awards ceremony honouring UK and European games developers.
- What: GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party
When: Wednesday, 13 July, 8pm
Where: Patterns, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TL
How: Tickets available here.
Cost: £35
THURSDAY 14 JULY
- What: Close of conference drinks
When: Thursday, 14 July, 6pm
Where: Develop Bar & Networking Lounge, Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, King's Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU
Cost: Free
- What: SpecialEffect's Develop Party
When: Thursday, 14 July, 8pm
Where: Oh So Social Beach Bar, 250a King's Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB
How: All welcome, RSVP on Facebook.
Cost: Free
More info: Celebrating the launch of One Special Day.
