As the UK Festival industry continues to grow, some events thrive, some struggle but all share similar challenges, common goals and aspirations. Through all the ups and down the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO), now 25 years old, has been there supporting its members and providing a voice for small and medium sized festivals and events.
The AFO’s annual Conference is the number one networking opportunity for the sector, but more than that, it provides an opportunity to review, refresh and plan. Delegates can share experiences and information, debate the pros and cons of festival management and take time to relax in the convivial company of organisers with a passion for the industry while planning for 2012 and beyond.
Organisers, Managers, Promoters, Musician’s and Industry experts from the UK Festival industry will gather on 18-20 November 2011 at Eastwood Hall Conference Centre, Nottingham. And this year they will be joined by Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK Music, who will make a keynote speech on the recent Government licensing consultation and what changes might mean for the festival sector.
The Conference will also welcome respected music journalist Colin Irwin who will interview legendary singer and writer John Tams on his festival career. The General Manager of The Production Services Association (PSA), Andy Lenthall will talk about Duty of Care and Risk Assessment and Pete Lawrence, founder of The Big Chill will also be in Nottingham for this not to be missed annual event.
Other subjects in the packed agenda will include Social Networking and Marketing in the 21st Century, Modern Ticketing Systems, Planning for the Great British Weather and Doing it with or without Funding.
£1000’s of pounds worth of FREE advice will be dished out by respected experts in their field. Rick Bond from the Complete Works will once again open his very popular advice centre whilst Jon Payne from Horsey, Lightly, Finn will give the delegates legal advice, Paula Hawthorne from La Playa Insurance will hold one2one surgeries throughout the weekend on all things insurance related and Richard Brown will offer delegates an insight into Medical Provision at their event..
There will of course be music at two Showcases; on Friday featuring a club concert and on Saturday night, a main stage Showcase. Refreshments and lunch on Saturday are included in the delegate fee; a great hotel, leisure and conference all in one building, all leads to a first class opportunity for the industry to gather and network.
‘Always welcoming and a great place to get valuable/relevant event info’ – Brian Lisowy, Summer Sundae Festival
‘GO! Kind of essential really, if you’re serious about it . . .’ – Ian Anderson, fRoots Magazine
‘Great mixture of helpful sessions with real examples . . .proper issues and solutions via people with real experience. This is such a useful Conference’ – Joy Durrant, Shropshire Council
The Association of Festival Organisers Conference will be held at Eastwood Hall, Nottingham on 18th – 20th November 2011.
For more information http://www.festivalorganisers.org/
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