Patron Prospectus
Support the show that launches the next generation of model makers
New Blades is where the industry meets graduating model makers around real work. Patronage gives your team earlier access, better conversations, and a meaningful role in backing the annual showcase that the sector pays attention to.
5
Universities exhibiting
90+
Students exhibiting
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Main event date
11 June 2026
Directory preview opens
Why Patronage Exists
Patrons support the show. Not a logo. Not a category. The show.
New Blades is the annual point of contact between graduating model makers and the industry that hires, commissions, and champions them. It matters because it puts the work, the students, and the people shaping the craft into one room.
We have changed the commercial model so universities no longer pay to exhibit. Programmes are already carrying the work of getting students there. Patronage is how the industry now backs the show instead.
That is why this offer is built around practical access: early review of student work, structured one-to-one meetings, time with course leaders, and a day format that protects serious engagement before the public opening.
What This Is Not
- Not a generic sponsorship package built around logo placement.
- Not a trade-show stand in a hall of vendors.
- Not paid ownership of an award category.
- Not a vague promise of industry presence without a day structure to support it.
Why Organisations Back It
A better route into emerging talent
New Blades lets your team meet graduating makers around the work itself, not just through CVs or late-stage applications.
A day built for useful conversations
The morning is deliberately structured for serious viewing, meetings, and contact with course leaders before the wider public opening.
A credible way to back the craft
Patronage keeps university participation free and supports a stronger annual showcase for the whole model-making community.
2026 Support Levels
Gold, Silver, and Friends
Three ways to back the show, from lead patron to lightweight supporter.
Gold Patron
Lead tier£3,000
For organisations that want the strongest presence in the room and the clearest route into talent conversations.
- Private student directory before public launch
- Morning preview access and structured 1:1 meetings
- Priority meeting scheduling
- 6×3ft display table to showcase your own work
- Reserved table in the bar for meetings and networking
- Up to 10 seats for team and invited guests
- Lead patron recognition and the option to present an award
- Curated media pack from the day for your comms team
Silver Patron
£1,500
For organisations that want the access, conversations, and early visibility without taking a table.
- Private student directory before public launch
- Morning preview access and structured 1:1 meetings
- Standard meeting scheduling
- Access to course leaders and the wider talent conversation
- Up to 5 seats for team and invited guests
- Supporting recognition across the show
Friends of New Blades
£100
A lighter support route for smaller studios, suppliers, alumni, and supporters who want to back the show without entering the main patron tiers.
- Shared logo recognition in the printed brochure
- A clear public signal of support for the show
- Positioned as a secondary route, not a third core patron tier
Show Day Detail
How the day works for patrons
The format matters. Patronage is more valuable because the day has been structured to create serious viewing first, then real conversations, then the wider public-facing celebration.
09:00-11:00
Judging & private preview
Patrons, judges, faculty, and invited industry get an early, calm viewing window before students return and before the public arrives.
11:00-13:00
Meet the Makers
Students return, one-to-one meetings begin, professional photography starts, and a light buffet lunch keeps the right people in the room.
13:00-17:00
Open showcase
The wider audience arrives from 1pm, but the student work remains the centre and your team is already established in the room.
18:00-late
Awards & networking drinks
Awards land at the point of highest attention, then the day loosens into a more social close and follow-up conversations.
Gold Exclusive
Curated Media Pack
Our professional photography and videography team is on site for the full day. Gold patrons can brief them in advance — so the images that matter to your comms team are captured properly, not left to chance.
After the show, you receive a curated pack of high-resolution images cleared for use in your own marketing, social media, internal comms, and recruitment material.
What's included
- Priority photographer briefing before the show
- Specific shots of models, work, or categories you request
- Your team at the show, at your display table, and at the ceremony
- The award presentation moment (if presenting)
- 10–15 high-resolution images delivered after the event
- Full usage rights for marketing, social, and internal comms
Access Model
How access actually works
Review the field early
From 11 June 2026, patrons can review approved student profiles before public launch.
Shortlist the right people
Filter by university and category, then mark the students your team most wants to meet.
Confirm real conversations
Students can express interest too, and confirmed meetings are scheduled into the day. Meeting requests open 11 June 2026.
Be in the room properly
Attend the private preview, hold meetings, speak with course leaders, stay for awards, and take part in the wider public-facing celebration.
Comparison
Gold vs Silver
| Package | Gold | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 price | £3,000 | £1,500 |
| Display table | 6×3ft table to showcase your own work | Not included |
| Reserved bar table | Dedicated table for meetings and networking | Not included |
| Awards-stage role | Request a named award to present | Collective acknowledgement |
| Team and guest allocation | Up to 10 seats | Up to 5 seats |
| Meeting priority | Priority scheduling | Standard scheduling |
| Recognition | Lead patron recognition | Supporting recognition |
| Curated media pack | Priority photographer briefing + image pack | Not included |
| Private student directory before public launch | Included | Included |
| Morning preview access | Included | Included |
| Structured 1:1 meetings with students | Included | Included |
| Access to course leaders | Included | Included |
Gold patrons can request which award they would like to present. Awards remain New Blades awards and final allocation sits with the New Blades team.
What Patronage Funds
Backing the show strengthens the whole event
Free university participation so programmes are not charged to exhibit
A stronger awards programme, including the New Blades Award with a £1,000 prize and £500 for the runner-up
Professional photography and videography that makes the show feel serious and well produced
A day structure designed around meaningful student-industry engagement before the public opening
Common Questions
What prospective patrons usually ask
What are we actually buying?
You are not buying a logo package. You are backing the show and getting a better route into the talent pipeline: early access to the work, a private student directory, structured meetings, visibility in the room, and time with course leaders.
What is the difference between Gold and Silver?
Gold is the stronger show-day presence: a display table for your own work, a reserved table in the bar for meetings, priority scheduling, a larger guest allocation, lead recognition, and the option to present an award. Silver keeps the access and meetings but without the tables or awards-stage role.
Do patrons own or sponsor awards?
No. Awards remain New Blades awards. Gold patrons can request a named award to present, but the awards stay event-led and final allocation sits with the New Blades team.
How many Gold patrons are there?
Gold is intentionally limited. There are no more than 6 Gold patron positions so the room stays selective and the offer remains meaningful.
What does Friends of New Blades include?
Friends is a smaller support route for organisations that want to back the show and be recognised in the brochure. It is not part of the main access structure: no meetings, no table, and no private directory.
When should we decide?
Gold patron positions should ideally be confirmed by 30 April 2026. Silver patron positions should ideally be confirmed by 30 May 2026. If you are considering Gold, earlier is better because the places are capped and the day structure is planned around them.
Next Step
Talk to us about Gold, Silver, or Friends of New Blades
If your organisation wants a stronger route into the emerging talent pipeline and a meaningful role in supporting New Blades London 2026, get in touch. We can talk through the right level of involvement and where you fit best.
Gold
Target confirmation by 30 April 2026
Silver
Target confirmation by 30 May 2026
Friends
A straightforward £100 brochure-logo support route for smaller supporters.
Show Day
How the live day is structured
The format is deliberate. Serious viewing happens before the public arrives. Students return for the conversation window once the private preview has done its job. The public opening and awards then land into a room that already has momentum.
Show Day Schedule
Thursday, 18 June 2026 — Truman Brewery, U Block
Judging & Private Preview
09:00–11:00Private viewing for faculty, sponsors, and VIP guests. No students present.
Meet the Makers
11:00–13:00Students return for VIP one-on-one meetings and lunch.
Open Showcase & Awards
13:00–lateDoors open to all — industry, family, and public.