MADE Festival '˜one of best in the world'

Entrepreneur.com ranked MADE alongside global events including China Entrepreneurs Forum, TechCrunch: Disrupt New York and South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) in Texas.

The event, held in October at Sheffield City Hall, is the only one from the UK.

Author Brian Hughes praised its ‘range of skills master classes’ and speakers including JB Gill of JLS and leading expert and best-selling author on baby food Annabel Karmel.

He wrote: “The right conference can be an invaluable means for networking beyond your immediate field and connecting with innovators in other fields whose work parallels your own.From the United States to Australia, as you plan your travels for 2016, keep these 10 conferences on your radar.”

Entrepreneur.com publishes a magazine and has online editions in the US, China, India, Mexico, Middle East, Philippines and South Africa.

Hundreds of people attended MADE in 2015 – the second of a three-year contract with organisers’ Durham-based BE Group.

Nicki Clark, BE Group chief operating officer, said: “It was an amazing year for MADE delivering more inspiration and content than ever. It’s tremendous for it to be recognised as one of the top events in the world to attend if you are interested in business and entrepreneurship.”

The firm made a loss on the event in 2014 after staging the event over two days and hiring global names, including hypnotist Paul McKenna.

Last year it spent less and ran it over one day, but maintained ticket sales.

MADE was launched in the city in 2010 and had three strong years before taking one year off because Sheffield City Council had failed to put it out to tender in time.