Coming This September: The Bid Writing & Design Roadshow
A Meaningful Partnership
Taking place on the 17th of September at The Studio, an independent venue in the heart of Manchester, the roadshow is a joint initiative between APMP UK’s Bid Writing Focus Group and Design Focus Group. This collaboration is deliberate. High-performing bids don’t happen in silos—they are the result of strong alignment between writing, design, and strategy. This event brings those disciplines together in one space, with a shared ambition to raise standards across the profession.
Learn, Connect, Grow
The roadshow is shaping up to be one of the most purposeful and forward-thinking events in this year’s proposal and work-winning calendar—and it’s built around a simple but powerful theme: Learn, Connect, Grow. This isn’t just a strapline—it’s embedded into how the day is designed and how attendees will experience it.
Learn
Learning will come to life through practical, insight-led sessions focused on real-world application. This isn’t about theory or generic advice. Attendees will gain tangible techniques they can immediately apply—whether that’s structuring stronger responses, using design more effectively to communicate value, or improving how they interpret and respond to tender questions. The emphasis is on giving people tools that make a difference from day one.
Connect
The roadshow creates space for meaningful conversations between bid writers, designers, bid managers, and creative professionals—groups that don’t always have the opportunity to interact openly. Through interactive sessions, informal networking and shared discussions, attendees will build relationships, exchange ideas and gain a better understanding of each other’s roles. This is about breaking down barriers and strengthening collaboration across the bid lifecycle.
Grow
Growth will happen at both an individual and industry level. Individuals will leave with new skills, broader perspectives and increased confidence in their roles. At the same time, the event contributes to the wider ambition of elevating bid writing and design as recognised professional disciplines. By bringing people together, sharing best practice and challenging current approaches, the roadshow supports the ongoing evolution of the industry.
Venue & Tickets
We have chosen an independent venue with excellent amenities, including breakout rooms for workshops and relaxed areas for easy networking. The Studio is located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, making transport effortless.
Tickets will be released in May, including a number of discounted tickets made available through a social value initiative. Putting our Learn, Connect, Grow theme into practice, this will create opportunities for those who may not otherwise be able to attend. This ensures that the next generation of bid writers and designers can be part of the conversation—learning from experienced professionals, connecting with peers, and gaining insight into the trends shaping the future of the industry.
A Platform for Progress
Early interest in the roadshow has already shown that there is real appetite for this kind of event—not just within the UK, but internationally. That level of engagement reflects a shared recognition: the way we approach bidding is changing, and there is value in coming together to shape what comes next.
Ultimately, the Bid Writing and Design Roadshow is more than just an event. It’s a platform for progress. By focusing on learning, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting both individual and collective growth, it sets the tone for what the future of bid writing and design could—and should—look like.
With strong interest already building, this is one to be in the room for.
The Bid Writing & Design Roadshow will take place on the 17th of September 2016 at:
The Studio, Lever Street, Manchester.