West Nottinghamshire College will host its ninth annual Create Expo on Friday 27 February 2026, welcoming leading creative and digital industry professionals to inspire students and young people from across the region.
Create Expo 2026 will bring like-minded creatives together in one room.
Taking place in the college’s Create Theatre within the creative arts centre, the event will showcase expert insight into careers in animation, graphic design, film, visual effects, gaming and character design through a series of talks and demonstrations.
Daniel Quirke, a BAFTA-nominated animation director specialising in mixed media and stop-motion, will open the event. A graduate of Middlesex University and the National Film and Television School, Daniel is recognised for his innovative storytelling approach, combining technical experimentation with emotionally engaging narratives.
BAFTA nominated animation director Daniel Quirke will bring his stop motion expertise to the Create Expo.
Attendees will also hear from Emma Reed, a freelance graphic designer and Head of Design and Marketing for Wild Paths Festival and Wild Fields. Emma leads on creative direction, branding and promotional strategy across major cultural events, and has worked with organisations including Download Festival and the National Centre for Writing. In 2025, she was nominated in both the Creative and Freelancer categories at the Norfolk Women’s Marketing Awards.
Emma Reed will speak about being freelance graphic designer & head of design and marketing for Wild Paths Festival and Wild Fields.
Gerry Lindfield, an experienced editor and visual effects artist, will share his career journey from prime-time television editing into high-end VFX. His credits include Gangs of London, Lost in London, and music videos for artists such as J. Cole, Damon Albarn and The Weeknd.
Experienced editor Gerry Lindfield has worked on music videos for artists such as J. Cole, Damon Albarn and The Weeknd.
Ian Thompson, a multidisciplinary character designer with experience across multimedia studios, advertising and gaming, will discuss his work shaping character-driven storytelling in 3D and interactive media. Now working independently, Ian explores emerging technologies, including AI-assisted character design, alongside cinematic and narrative-led projects.
Ian Thompson will explain his work in exploring emerging technologies, including AI-assisted character design.
The final guest speaker, Sharon Walia, is a documentary filmmaker and BAFTA member whose work focuses on social justice, wildlife and human stories. Her films The Movement and The Keepers of the Pigs received UK theatrical releases, with the latter acquired by Netflix. Sharon also mentors emerging filmmakers and served as a documentary juror for the BAFTA Film Awards 2025.
Sharon Walia is a documentary filmmaker and BAFTA member whose work focuses on social justice, wildlife and human stories.
The Create Expo provides students with valuable exposure to industry professionals, creative career pathways and emerging trends within the digital and design sectors.
Creative media tutor Tony Hall, who founded the Create Expo, said: “The Expo continues to be an important platform for inspiring our students and connecting them with industry leaders. Each year we aim to build ambition, confidence and real-world insight, and this year’s event promises to be one of our strongest yet.”
Places can be booked by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/create/create-expo-2026/2026-02-27/09:00/t-plzrekl