Events

After a successful two years establishing and selling out the Festival Congress in Cardiff as a leading festival industry event, The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) announces ‘Festival Futures’- two co-ordinated one-day conference events in Brighton and Manchester this April. These will feature festival promoter keynotes, quick fire ‘Talking Heads’ sessions and fireside chats with industry experts alongside opportunities for networking with the leading lights of the festival world.

All day conference events, presented in association with leading music education provider BIMM and ticketing agency Skiddle, these all day events will take place at BIMM Brighton (Tuesday 5th April) and BIMM Manchester (Thursday 7th April), with a mix of BIMM students, industry and those interested in industry expected to attend.

TOPICS INCLUDE:
The importance of multi-arts and family content

The food revolution at festivals

Connections between streaming platforms and ticketing

The impact of virtual reality and other new tech

Event safety

Festival finances

Drugs awareness

The importance of grassroots venues and connection to festivals

The politics of participation

MANCHESTER SPEAKERS:

BEN ROBINSON (DIRECTOR – KENDAL CALLING, FORGOTTEN FIELDS, BLUE DOT)

SAMMY ANDREWS (STRATEGIC ADVISOR TO MUSIC INDUSTRY AND DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT INTELLIGENCE)

DR. ROXY ROBINSON (SENIOR LECTURER, AUTHOR – UK CENTRE FOR EVENTS MANAGEMENT)

SARAH BIRD (DIRECTOR – WILD RUMPUS, JUST SO FESTIVAL)

MARK LAURIE (DIRECTOR – NATIONWIDE CATERERS ASSOCIATION)

MIKE ATKINSON (SAFETY ADVISOR)

BEVERLEY WHITRICK (STRATEGIC DIRECTOR – MUSIC VENUES TRUST)

ANDY LENTHALL (GENERAL MANAGER- PRODUCTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION)

ADRIAN TINSEN (HM INSPECTOR OF HEALTH & SAFETY)

KATY MCLEOD (CHILL WELFARE)

The final conference schedule can be downloaded here.

Tickets include- entry to the conference, lunch & tea/coffee + entry to networking drinks afterwards.

Connect with fellow delegates here- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7038375

Please note, only those who have purchased tickets to either event will be approved to join the delegate group.