WELCOME TO THE ON IT CONFERENCE 2026
We want today to be engaging, exciting and thought-provoking. We want it to be as far from your expectations of a conference as possible. We’ve banned PowerPoint presentations today so we can talk openly and honestly. If you have questions today, ask them. If you have an opinion to share, share it. We want to thank Nick and the team at The Eagle for opening their doors to us today. Can you think of a more perfect venue for our conference? LET’S GET ON WITH IT...
10.15am SESSION 1
SEX
WELCOME TO THE PLEASUREDOME
Consent and sex go hand-in-hand. It can take us to places of ecstasy (even if you’re on it!), and can make sure we don’t go to places where we feel unsafe. On this panel we talk to a specialist in the field of non-fatal strangulation; an adult content creator with lived experience; and a sexual health professional. We’re asking what you can and can’t consent to, why regular testing is so important, and how consent is negotiated in adult content creation - both in the real world and online.
11.15am SESSION 2
CHEMS
UNDER PRESSURE
Know what you’re taking and know where you’re getting it from. We know the ChemSex scene in Manchester is prevalent. We also know that taking chems can affect our inhibitions. On this panel we’ll be discussing what ChemSex support is available locally; hear authentic experiences of life before, during and after Chems use; and have a real deep dive into the history of ChemSex and its social impact - not just in Manchester, but across the world. Buzzin’ for this sesh!
HOSTED BY CHEDDAR GORGEOUS
ON THE PANEL
Dr. Cath White Forensic Physician
Zach Elliot Adult Content Creator
Dr. Andrew Tomkins Consultant in HIV & Sexual Health
HOSTED BY CHEDDAR GORGEOUS
ON THE PANEL
Paul Holt The REACH Clinic
Shazza Fierce Drag Queen Superstar!
Maurice Naginton University of Manchester
1.15pm SESSION 3
IT’S NOT A SIN
It’s certainly NOT a sin to live with HIV, but unfortunately stigma and discrimination are still alive and kicking in 2026. After over 40 years of delivering groundbreaking support, services and campaigning in Manchester, in this session we hear from George House Trust and their innovative Positive Speakers about the impact of HIV in their lives, and what we all should be doing to support our communities; not just in the world of ChemSex, but beyond.
2.15pm SESSION 4
CONSENT
I WANT YOUR SEX
With consent, of course! How much do we know about consent, and how confident are we to ask for what we do and don’t want? In this session we’ll explore how consent works within the Criminal Justice System (physical and digital), and how to navigate support when things go wrong; why consent is important in venues like The Eagle; and hear what consent means from lived experience. The session ends with the official premiere of ‘an untitled film about consent’ - a joint creative project from We Are Survivors and Traumascapes.
HOSTED BY JIDE MACAULAY
ON THE PANEL
Jide Macaulay Positive Speaker
Des Davis HIV Advocate
Peter Channon Positive Speaker
HOSTED BY GEORGE PROCTOR
ON THE PANEL
Gayna Williams ISVA Service Manager
Janet Potter Crown Prosecution Service
Lee Horne Loud Voices
