Discover the sessions, honourees and programme of speakers at The Spotlight Conference 2025.
The Spotlight Conference, a brand new event bringing together performers, agents and casting professionals, has announced its full programme of speakers and sessions. Taking place on 21 October 2025, the Conference will provide a crucial platform for open and honest conversations about the industry’s future, from the role of technology to the evolving dialogue around diversity.
Earlier this month, Spotlight members had the chance to apply for a free ticket to The Spotlight Conference. These tickets have now all been allocated, but even if you weren’t successful in applying for one, you can still join some of The Spotlight Conference sessions online via livestream. More details about this will follow at a later date.
Whether you’re attending the event in-person or will be watching along online, here is what you can expect from The Spotlight Conference 2025:
Honouring Industry Icons
The Conference will honour three extraordinary individuals whose work has profoundly shaped the performing arts.
The Spotlight Conference Lifetime Achievement in Casting Award goes to legendary casting director Debbie McWilliams. Known for her iconic work on every James Bond film from 1981-2021, Debbie discovered three Bonds – Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig – and helped diversify the franchise.
The Spotlight Conference Broadcast Award is presented to Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Paramount UK, for his outstanding contribution to job growth. Under his leadership, public service broadcaster 5 (formerly known as Channel 5) has become a leader in homegrown content, commissioning a record-breaking 100+ hours of new UK drama this year alone, and sustaining vital jobs in children’s television.
The Spotlight Conference Discovery Award is presented to pioneering casting director and recent Emmy Award winner, Shaheen Baig, for her unwavering commitment to new talent. Celebrated for championing diverse and authentic voices in projects like Peaky Blinders, Boiling Point, and the 2025 Emmy Award-winning Adolescence, Shaheen is a dedicated advocate for underrepresented talent.
Shaping the Future of Talent Discovery: The Full Programme
The day’s programme is designed to take attendees on a chronological journey, exploring the foundations that have shaped the industry, confronting the issues of today, and collectively building the future.
Welcome Address & Foundations for the Future – A Keynote From Lifetime Award recipient Debbie McWilliams
10:00-11:10am, Vanbrugh Theatre
The Spotlight Conference will open with a welcome address, laying the groundwork for an inspiring day. Debbie McWilliams will then share her keynote, offering insights from her four-decade career of talent discovery.
Now Screening: Image, Voice and your Digital Footprint
10:00-11:10am, GBS Theatre
Next, agent and former Co-chair of the PMA (Personal Managers Association), Kelly Andrews, delves into actors’ public image and private lives in the age of social media. The discussion will address digital scrutiny and moral obligation clauses, plus how agents and actors (particularly those who are self-represented) can protect their brand.
DEI on Pause: Safeguarding Diverse Casting Pathways
11:30am-12:30pm, Vanbrugh Theatre
Despite the progress that has been made in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), many now feel these hard-won gains are facing setbacks. Spotlight’s expert panel – including leading advocates from the racial, disability and LGBTQ+ DEI spaces – will discuss this and share insights drawn from real-world experiences and data.
Thriving! Not Just Surviving: Fostering a Sustainable and Collaborative Ecosystem
11:30am-12:30pm, GBS Theatre
Designed for performers and their representatives who are committed to creating a more resilient community, this session will provide concrete, actionable advice for all creative professionals.
Outstanding Contribution: A Fireside Chat with Ben Frow
12:40-1:10pm, Vanbrugh Theatre
Come celebrate Ben Frow’s visionary pivot from unscripted shows to high-quality, homegrown content. Explore the strategic thinking behind his success and what it means for the future of British broadcasting.
From Breakdown to Broadcast: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Commercial Castings
12:40-1:20pm, GBS Theatre
This session pulls back the curtain on the fast-paced world of commercials and the advertising industry. Gain valuable insight from a panel of leading agents, actors and casting directors on topics like the pace of commercial casting, the art of the self-tape, and a deep dive into the submission processes.
Artificial Intelligence and The Casting Process
2:00-2:50pm, Vanbrugh Theatre
We bring together an influential panel of industry leaders to explore rapid technological advancements and address significant questions around the licensing and use of data, especially with self-tapes and photos.
Casting for Stage: How Casting Directors Cast
2:00-2:50pm, GBS Theatre
Dive deep into the specific, nuanced world of theatrical casting with our expert panel of casting directors. From subsidised houses to commercial West End productions, regional theatres and fringe companies, this session is an essential exploration of the processes that define casting for the stage.
The Human Future of Talent Discovery: A Conversation with Shaheen Baig & Friends
3:00-3:50pm, Vanbrugh Theatre
Join acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning casting director Shaheen Baig as she leads a discussion that champions the human element as a priority asset in casting. The panel will share their practises for discovering and nurturing underrepresented actors who may otherwise have never found their way onto our screens.
The Resilience Toolkit: Navigating Feedback and Industry Pressure
3:00-3:50pm, GBS Theatre
In an industry where ‘no’ is the most common answer, this panel goes beyond simple advice to build empathy, ignite change and equip every professional with a toolkit to thrive in a competitive industry.
Unintended Consequences: Playing Out the Next Five Years
4:00-4:55pm, Vanbrugh Theatre
Finally, this interactive session will illuminate upcoming policy shifts and their potential to create both benefits and unforeseen consequences. Using The Spotlight Conference app, attendees can vote in real-time on whether proposed changes will improve or hinder the collective future of the creative sector.
Keep an eye on our News and Advice page for further updates about The Spotlight Conference, including which sessions will be available for live-streaming and how you can join in on the day.
