New Blades London 2026
Become a Gold or
Silver Patron
New Blades is where the industry meets the next generation of makers. Patronage puts your team in the room early — with direct access to student work, structured one-to-one meetings, and the course leaders shaping the talent pipeline. Your support is what makes the show free for universities and students.
5
Universities exhibiting
Max 6
Gold patron places
Early access
Before public launch
Why Organisations Back It
Direct Talent Access
Meet graduating model makers around real work, with a clearer view of the talent pipeline than CV-only screening or late-stage hiring can offer.
A Better Format
The morning is designed for focused conversations, profile reviews, and scheduled meetings before the public show begins. A light buffet lunch brings patrons, students, and university staff together before the afternoon opens to the public.
Meet Course Leaders
Talk to the people shaping the next generation of model makers and share what your side of the industry needs now.
Back the Pipeline
Your patronage removes the exhibition fee for universities and students. Celebrating new talent shouldn’t cost the people producing it — so the industry funds the show instead.
How Patronage Works in Practice
Review the field early
Once industry preview opens, your team can review approved student profiles before the public audience sees them.
Shortlist the right people
Filter by university and discipline, 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 show rather than left to chance.
Be visible on the day
Attend the morning preview, hold your meetings, and speak with course leaders. Gold patrons have a display table to showcase their own work alongside the students, a reserved table in the bar for conversations, and the option to present an award at the ceremony.
What Patrons Can Actually Use
Private Student Directory
Browse approved student profiles before public launch, with filters for category and university plus images, bios, portfolio material, and links.
Structured 1:1 Meetings
Patrons can express interest in students, students can express interest back, and confirmed meetings are scheduled into the day rather than left to chance.
Course Leader Access
Meet course leaders in the room, understand how programmes are evolving, and help shape the conversation around future skills and standards.
Flexible Seats
Use your allocation for your own team and, where included, invited industry guests you want in the room with you.
Two Tables, Two Purposes
Gold patrons receive a 6×3ft display table in the exhibition to showcase your own work — a talking point for students and visitors alike. You also get a reserved table in the bar for meetings, networking, and informal conversations throughout the day.
Present an Award on Stage
Gold patrons can request a named award to present at the ceremony. Awards remain New Blades awards, but your organisation is publicly recognised as the presenter.
Curated Media Pack
Our professional photography and videography team is already on site. Gold patrons can brief them in advance — request specific shots of models, your team at the show, and the award presentation. You receive a curated pack of high-resolution images cleared for your own marketing and comms.
Gold vs Silver
2026 patronage
Gold
£3,000
Silver
£1,500
Display table
Gold
6×3ft table to showcase your own work
Silver
Not included
Reserved bar table
Gold
Dedicated table for meetings and networking
Silver
Not included
Awards-stage role
Gold
Present a named award at the ceremony
Silver
Collective acknowledgement
Team and guest allocation
Gold
Up to 10 seats
Silver
Up to 5 seats
Meeting priority
Gold
Priority scheduling
Silver
Standard scheduling
Recognition
Gold
Lead patron recognition
Silver
Supporting recognition
Curated media pack
Gold
Priority photographer briefing + image pack
Silver
Not included
Private student directory before public launch
Gold
Included
Silver
Included
Structured 1:1 meetings with students
Gold
Included
Silver
Included
Access to course leaders
Gold
Included
Silver
Included
| Package | Gold | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 patronage | £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 | Present a named award at the ceremony | 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 |
| Structured 1:1 meetings with students | Included | Included |
| Access to course leaders | Included | Included |
What Your Patronage Funds
Free university participation, removing the exhibition fee from programmes already funding travel, staffing, and student support.
An awards programme that recognises craft properly, including the New Blades Award with a £1,000 prize and £500 for the runner-up.
Professional photography and videography of nominated work, helping the show feel serious and well produced.
A day structured around meaningful conversations between students, patrons, and course leaders before the broader public celebration begins.
Smaller-Scale Support
Friends of New Blades
Not every supporter needs a Gold or Silver package. Friends of New Blades is a simple, lower-commitment way to back the show and be recognised in print without diluting the main patron offer.
Ideal for smaller studios, suppliers, alumni, and supporters of the show
A simple way to back New Blades without stepping into the main patron packages
Logo recognition in the printed brochure for £100
Become a Patron
We’re seeking a limited number of patrons for New Blades London 2026. Read the full prospectus for the exact offer, then get in touch if you want to discuss Gold, Silver, or Friends of New Blades.