5 Industry Judges. Honest Feedback.
The origins of Demo Factor start back in 2008 when the Student Radio Conference was hosted by 1449am URB, at Bath University. Back then it was called “Demo Idol”, it was a small and humble stage with just a few tables, and 5 industry judges, Chris North, Neil Sloan, Vicki Blight, Rob Watson, Sam Gregory. They patiently listened to any demos that were given in via CD and they gave feedback. At the end of the session the judges announced a prize of an overnight show on Galaxy FM for the best demo. The first winner was Ben Burrell who currently presents on Absolute Radio.
In 2009 the same 5 judges evolved the idea and became “Demo Factor” for the first time at the Student Radio Conference in Leeds. A host was introduced, Adam Catterall was able to both stand up for the person who’s demo was being critiqued and also push the judges to provide examples and reasonings for their decisions. One of the original Judges, Vicki Blight took over hosting duties in 2015 and in 2017 our first winner, Ben Burrell jumped into the hosting shoes. In 2023 presenters Emil Franchi and Sophie K lead the evening in Exeter.
Judges and Guest Judges from across the industry have since joined Head Judge Chris North and the team along the way, including Adele Roberts, Aled Haydn-Jones, Amy Voce, Calum Macdonald, Fiona Hanlon, Greg James, Jocelin Stainer, Jordan North, Julie Cullen, Lucy Winter, Mike Cass, Pandora Christie, Paul Sylvester, Pippa Taylor.
Demo Factor has appeared at Bath (2008), Leeds (2009), Nottingham (2010), Hatfield (2011), Bradford (2012), 2013 we took a gap-year, Newcastle (2014), Exeter (2015), Cardiff (2016), Leicester (2017) and Norwich (2018), Swansea (2019), Virtual DF At Home (2020 & 2021), Newcastle (2022), Exeter (2023) with many smaller ‘spin-offs’ and Demo Factor Xtra’s along the way at various conferences and training days up and down the country.