Putting photography at the heart of health and wellbeing

Belfast Exposed appointed Mackle Communications to deliver the first ever Healing Through Photography Conference in Ireland – a landmark two-day event exploring the role of photography in supporting mental health and wellbeing. We led the project from initial concept through to delivery, securing world-class speakers, high-profile media coverage, and meaningful partnerships that amplified impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

EVENT MANAGEMENT · PR & MEDIA RELATIONS · SPONSORSHIP ACTIVATION · PARTNERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

From securing BAFTA and Pulitzer Prize-winning speakers, to delivering a sold-out programme of talks, workshops, and exhibitions – Mackle Communications brought the vision for Healing Through Photography to life.

Setting the Scene

Belfast Exposed wanted to stage an event that would not only celebrate the artistic and therapeutic value of photography but also engage a wide cross-section of delegates from the arts, health, education, and community sectors. The goal was to deliver a professional conference experience with global credibility while fostering genuine connections between participants, partners, and audiences.

How We Brought It Into Focus

By combining strategic event management with targeted PR and creative partnership activation, we delivered a two-day international conference that positioned Belfast Exposed – and the role of photography in wellbeing – firmly in the spotlight.

Vision to Reality

We worked side-by-side with Belfast Exposed to transform the idea of Ireland’s first Healing Through Photography Conference into a fully realised event. From concept planning to detailed scheduling, we coordinated every moving part — securing world-class speakers, curating an engaging programme, and ensuring the experience flowed seamlessly across multiple venues. Every logistical detail was managed in-house, delivering a two-day international conference that ran to time, to budget, and exceeded expectations.

Amplifying the Story

We designed and delivered a PR and marketing strategy that captured attention before, during, and after the event. This included targeted media outreach across health, arts, and community sectors; paid social campaigns; and high-impact visual content to showcase the conference experience. From BBC and Irish News coverage to a reach of over 2.2 million across media platforms, our campaigns built momentum, sold tickets, and positioned Belfast Exposed as a thought leader in wellbeing and the arts.

Powerful Partnerships

We brokered a £6,000 partnership with Victoria Square, matched with £6,000 from Arts & Business, turning a shopping centre into an exhibition space and engaging new audiences. This partnership delivered photography workshops, exhibitions, and brand visibility throughout the conference. Sponsors’ brands sat alongside BAFTA and Pulitzer Prize-winning speakers, reinforcing their commitment to community wellbeing and creative innovation.

The Outcomes

We negotiated a paid for partnership with Victoria Square hosting photography workshops during spring 2023, over 200 attended creating an exhibition of 4x5m images which were on display during the Conference.  600 images created.

The conference welcomed 446 registered attendees listening to and engaging with 32 speakers who included Bafta Award winner Donovan Wylie, Pulitzer Prize Winner Cathal McNaughton, and NI Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion.  Delegates attended from Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, France UK, and Ireland.  Over the two days 16 workshops, 10 Artist Talks, 6 Exhibitions, 3 dinners and 2 receptions were held.  Over 2.2m in media coverage was secured across radio, print, online and socials.

The Big Picture

"The conference exceeded all expectations – it connected audiences, celebrated creativity, and proved the power of photography to improve lives."

  • 450 registered attendees, including delegates from Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, France, UK & Ireland
  • 200 participants in Victoria Square workshops, producing 600 photographs for exhibition
  • 2.2M+ OTS/OTH secured via national and regional media coverage
  • 321,342 reach, 780,796 impressions, 4,485 clicks through paid and organic campaigns
  • Delivered within budget while maximising sponsor value
  • Website impressions grew weekly
  • 1,900 new followers added in first 3 weeks
  • Belfast Exposed platforms followers + 12%
  • Conference survey feedback, 97.5% rated conference Excellent/V Good, Presentations 93% and Artist Talks 97.5% Brilliant/ well balanced

Beyond the Lens

With the success of the inaugural Healing Through Photography Conference, Belfast Exposed has set the stage for future events exploring the role of the arts in wellbeing. Mackle Communications remains ready to build on this momentum — crafting campaigns, securing partnerships, and delivering innovative event strategies that bring ambitious ideas to life. Whether it’s growing this conference or launching a brand-new initiative, we thrive on turning vision into impact.

Let’s put your story in the frame.

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