LIVERPOOL has today hosted the first northern spin-off of a major technology and design conference in a move it is hoped will place the city on the international innovation map.

TEDxLiverpool, held at International Centre for Digital Content at Liverpool Innovation Park in Edge Lane, brought together the leading figures from Merseyside's technology, entertainment and design sectors, as well as representatives from universities and the media.

TEDxLiverpool is linked to the TED conference, an annual event where some of the world's leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. Speakers were given just 18 minutes to discuss their ideas.

Introducing today's event, organiser Herbert Kim said: "We want to put the North of England on the TED map."

Steve Clayton, from Microsoft International's Business Strategy group, showed off some of his company's new online software tools, including Seadragon and Photosynth.

He also brought along a Microsoft Surface touchscreen coffee table, which proved popular with delegates.

Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino, the chief executive of technology and design consultancy Tinker, spoke about how designers are adapting to an age of massive technological change.