Gamers to Descend on Leamington for Key Event

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 43 seconds

Tech

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Quick Read: Interactive Futures conference in Leamington Spa brings together Warwickshire's gaming industry leaders, offering networking, career opportunities, and industry insights.

Warwickshire’s status as a leading hub in the UK’s video game industry is set to take center stage at the upcoming Interactive Futures conference in Leamington Spa, affectionately known as Silicon Spa. The event, scheduled for May 10 and 11 at The Royal Spa Centre, promises to be a vibrant celebration of the region’s vibrant gaming community and its significant contributions to the global gaming landscape.

Boasting a lineup of prestigious studios including Third Kind Games, The Sumo Group, Ubisoft, and Playground Games, Interactive Futures will serve as a platform for industry giants to converge, exchange insights, and inspire the next generation of gaming talent. The event is organised by Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and the Warwickshire Games Collective, in a bid to showcase the region’s thriving gaming scene and foster connections within the industry.

Photo Credit: Leamington Observer

The conference kicks off on Friday with an ‘Industry Day’ dedicated to fostering connections among developers and creatives from Warwickshire and beyond. Participants can expect insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to delve into the latest trends shaping the gaming landscape.

Saturday shifts the focus to students, parents, and individuals seeking to explore career opportunities in the dynamic world of video games. With an array of talks, workshops, and interactive sessions, the event aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse career paths available within the gaming industry. From game development and design to marketing and production, attendees will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the gaming sector.

Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council’s economy spokesperson, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in showcasing the region’s gaming prowess.

“Interactive Futures will give some of the best in the business a chance to promote what they do, right here in Silicon Spa, and network with other creatives from across the UK”

he remarked.

Ella Billiald, Warwick District Council’s arts spokesperson, echoed Watson’s sentiments, emphasising the event’s significance in providing a platform for local gaming communities to connect and collaborate.

“We’re excited to see this inspiring event back in its original two-day format, giving our local video games community the opportunity to network and those with an interest in a future career the chance to gain valuable advice, information, and insights”

she stated.

With its blend of industry expertise, networking opportunities, and career insights, Interactive Futures is poised to leave a lasting impression on attendees, further cementing Warwickshire’s reputation as a thriving hub in the ever-evolving world of video games.

What's new

Aurrigo’s Autonomous Airport Tech Gets Green Light for Global Deployment

Coventry-based Aurrigo International has received formal approval for its autonomous ground handling technologies to be rolled out across over 60 airports globally, following a successful trial at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

The breakthrough comes through its partnership with Aviation Solutions, a division of the Royal Schiphol Group, announced in April 2024. After testing Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug® and Auto-Sim® systems at Schiphol, the technology has now been validated for broader commercial deployment.

Royal Schiphol Group—operator of Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague, and Lelystad Airports—holds stakes in a host of global hubs including Eindhoven, Brisbane, Hobart International, and JFK Terminal 4, and has collaboration agreements with Beijing Capital International Airport and Seoul Incheon. This global footprint now opens the door for Aurrigo’s smart airside innovations to be adopted worldwide.

Photo Credit: Aurrigo

Marcel Stroop, Director of Go-to-Market at Aviation Solutions said:

“Aurrigo is a true front-runner in autonomous ground handling. We work to deliver solutions we can guarantee 100%, and Aurrigo is now part of that movement—bringing proven innovations from Schiphol to airports around the world.”

The successful trial featured Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug®, a next-generation electric and autonomous vehicle for transporting luggage and cargo, and Auto-Sim®, a simulation platform that enables airports to plan, model and optimise autonomous operations in advance of real-world deployment.

With validation in hand, the next phase will focus on commercialising Aurrigo’s technology through Aviation Solutions’ extensive global network.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo said:

“This endorsement confirms the demand for our smart airside solutions. It also strengthens our go-to-market strategy by working with a trusted, incentivised partner who connects us with well-informed, progressive aviation customers.”

Aurrigo’s innovations are part of a growing trend toward automation in aviation, helping airports reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainability goals.

By Anushka Malhotra

8 Apr