
Conference: M Shed Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
Evening Party: Lost Horizon,1-3 Elton St, St Jude's, Bristol BS2 9EH
Tuesday, 15th February, 2022
Watch the 2022 Wrap Video!

Festival Congress
Festival Congress is the annual flagship event organised by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). It is the largest gathering of independent festivals in the UK, with over 300 industry delegates expected to attend in 2022.
Attended by 74% of AIF members on average, with an average total of 352 attendees each year (from 2014-2019), the Congress has rapidly evolved to become a fixture and must attend event in the festival industry calendar.
Festival Congress is being relaunched for 2022 and will take place in Bristol for the first time on Tuesday February 15th. The conference will be held at M Shed Museum and the evening festival party at Lost Horizon.
Festival Congress is a unique B2B networking event and has a progressive and innovative format, including high profile keynotes, engaging panel sessions, TED x style quick fire talks, breakout workshops and fireside chats with experts and inspiring personalities from across the festival and events world.
Event Schedule
Topics | Speakers | Time | Venue |
---|---|---|---|
Doors - Tea & Coffee Upon Arrival | 09:45-10:30 | Event Suite | |
Opening Comments & Welcome | 10:35-10:55 | Event Suite | |
Opening Keynote - Roger Wilson, Black Lives in Music | 11:00-11:15 | Event Suite | |
Keynote - Carly Heath (Bristol Night Time Economy Advisor) | 11:20-11:35 | Event Suite | |
In Conversation: Brix Smith and Vick Bain (The F List) & Laura Snapes (The Guardian). | 11:40-12:10 | Event Suite | |
State of Independence Panel | 12:15-13:00 | Event Suite | |
Lunch | 13:00-14:00 | ||
Status Check Sessions - The Impact of Brexit | 14:00-14:10 | Event Suite | |
Status Check Sessions - Festival Funding | 14:13-14:23 | Event Suite | |
Status Check Sessions - Event Insurance and Reinsurance | 14:26-14:36 | Event Suite | |
Status Check Sessions - Working with Traders | 14:39-14:49 | Event Suite | |
Status Check Sessions - Covid and Safety Protocols | 14:52-15:02 | Event Suite | |
Status Check Sessions - Staffing and Volunteering | 15:05-15:15 | Event Suite | |
Status Check Sessions - Supply Chain Issues | 15:18-15:28 | Event Suite | |
Operations Workshop | 16:00-17:00 | Event Suite |
Topics | Speakers | Time | Venue |
---|---|---|---|
Doors | 19:00 | Lost Horizon | |
Food Served | 19:00-22:00 | Lost Horizon | |
Guilty Pleasures DJ and Dancers | 20:30-22:00 | Lost Horizon | |
Shambala DJs | 22:00-22:30 | Lost Horizon | |
Boomtown DJs | 22:30-23:00 | Lost Horizon | |
Event Ends | 02:00 | Lost Horizon |
Speakers
Brix Smith
Rock Icon
Brix Smith
Rock IconCarly Heath
Economy Advisor
Carly Heath
Economy AdvisorLaura Snapes
Deputy Music Editor
Laura Snapes
Deputy Music EditorSteven Campbell
CEO at Eskimo Dance
Steven Campbell
CEO at Eskimo DanceTravel & Accommodation
Travel
Nearest train station: Bristol Temple Meads
Those travelling to Bristol via train can use our special GWR conference link to book tickets (including for peak times). This can only be used on GWR services and outbound tickets are fixed and cannot be changed but inbound is fully flexible.
You must carry your Festival Congress ticket proof of purchase to ensure validity of the train ticket.
Click here and select 'Bristol' to book your trains.
London return £44 (no time restrictions)
Parking Information:
Click Here for parking details for the conference at M Shed
There is only limited street parking available for the party at Lost Horizon so most attendees will be getting taxis or walking to the venue depending on their accommodation location.
Accommodation
'Meet Bristol' have negotiated special rates for delegates at several hotels around Bristol book here.
More Options
Mercure Bristol Holland House - 6 min walk to M Shed / 15 min taxi to Lost Horizon or 28 min walk
15th Feb Double Room £107
Book here
Ibis Bristol Centre - 6 min walk to M shed / 10 min taxi to Lost Horizon or 27 min walk
15th Feb Double Room £111
Book here
Travelodge Bristol Central - 10 min walk to M Shed / 11 min taxi to Lost Horizon or 29 min walk
15th Feb Double Room £71.99
Book here
YHA Bristol - 2 min walk to M Shed / 10 min taxi to Lost Horizon or 24 min walk
15th Feb Private rooms for 1 person from £49
Book here
Event Location

Address
M Shed (conference)
Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
Lost Horizon (evening party)
1-3 Elton St, St Jude's, Bristol BS2 9EH



Email us
WEB: www.aiforg.com
aiforgonline@gmail.com


Call us
0203 745 2897