PROGRAMME

AGENDA

10.00am – 10.30am : Arrivals and refreshments

10.30am – 11.15am : Keynote: Better Together: What all businesses, brands and teams can learn from studying Gangs

11.20am – 12.00pm : Discussion Workshops

12.00pm – 12.30pm : Break

12.30pm – 13.10pm : Discussion Workshops

13.10pm – 13.50pm : Lunch

13.50pm – 14.30pm : Keynote: Tapping into your Creativity

14.35pm – 15.55pm : Discussion Workshops

15.55pm – 16.10pm : Break

16.10pm – 16.40pm : Discussion Workshops

16.40pm – 17.20pm : Panel Session: What’s the future of the industry?

17.20pm – 17.30pm : Conclusion and take aways

17.30pm – 18.30pm : Drinks Reception

HARNESSING TECH

Demystifying Virtual Production and XR Workflows with Christina Nowak (New Chapter Production) and Carlotta Merzari (Northforma Entertainment)

This session will answer all sorts of questions around the practicality of virtual production, its pros and cons, and when is the right time to use it. Christina and Sarah will discuss how the workflows operate and the top 5 things you need to know before deciding whether it is the right way to go.

AI: The Relevance to the exhibitions and events Industry – and the near term impact with Paul Hannah (Shelton Fleming)

This session will focus on where AI is today and the trends and use cases that are emerging within the industry, and open up the debate on what is needed for a successful AI roadmap into tomorrow.

Unlocking Event Insights: Unlocking event data to better understand the customer journey with Natalie Bibbey (Cvent)

In today’s digital landscape, customers leave behind a trail of data as they interact with brands and events across various touchpoints. Analysing this data across your event programme can unlock crucial information about their preferences, behaviours, and needs, and help prove ROI to your clients and their stakeholders. Join us for this interactive session where we delve into how you can use technology to collate, analyse and activate this data, unlocking valuable insights and helping drive business growth.

Fire Me with Simon Boniface (Brands at Work)

Simon’s into experimenting with new tools… and he also has a fondness for trying to break things. Join him as he shares some of his creative insights from almost 25 years of collaboration with agencies and leading brands, where he will be discussing:

– Can we do away with creatives in an age of generative AI?
– Do we still believe that there always be things that AI just can’t create for us?
– What does a creative team even look like in an AI driven future?

Creative Technology in Events with Richard Godfrey (Rocketmakers), Andy Dobson (Merlin Entertainments) and Jonathan Brigden (Studio Giggle),

Technology is supporting creativity in events in new and dynamic ways. Richard, Andy and Jon will explore data generative artwork, and use of AI in interactive work. Plus, they’ll talk about what software – like Unreal Engine, Notch, Touchdesigner and media servers like Pixera and Disguise – can do to help you create extraordinary experiences!

Where’s my content? And how’s it doing? with David Orman (Greenfish)

How do new technologies help production companies better store, search and share content?

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Building Client Relationships – In the Moment & In the Future with Viktoria Bebbington (The Edge Picture Company)

Getting and keeping clients is one of the most fundamental features of a successful business. Learn how to use your existing skills sets and how to uncover some of the more unexpected ways of building relationships – it’s all about being human!

Building Efficient and Empathetic Creative Leaders with Oliver Atkinson (Casual Films)

The most efficient teams are led by empathetic leaders who individualize their managerial approach. Learn how Casual runs, and develops, their creative teams. In this discussion, they’ll explore their core management philosophies – accountability, mastery, purpose – that enable their leaders to run highly effective creative teams.

Strategic Growth: Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions with Barnaby Cook (Studio Yes)

Plenty of talented, creative business owners know how to build their small or medium empire. But that doesn’t mean they have the insight or knowledge to exit effectively. For a lot of us that means selling our company and getting back some of the value we’ve created. This session will cover the different types of exit, why you need to think about the buyer, business valuation and the importance of setting goals that align with your motivations. Even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon, it’s never too early to start building a solid business that’s attractive to a buyer.

Building and Maintaining a Company Culture with a Hybrid Workforce with James Simpkins and Mary Carter-Lee (2Heads)

A powerful culture is essential to any company, but nurturing one for a creative hybrid workplace is complex. It can be extremely challenging to sustain long term agency growth in the absence of a connected and seamless culture.

Join the discussion with James and co-host Mary as they share their thoughts, learnings, and insights on how to solve cultural challenges, make long term improvements and navigate the ever-evolving hybrid landscape.

How do you Engage and Train Talent in a Hybrid World with Laura Capell-Abra (No More Ifs or Buts)

In this session, we will explore strategies for effectively engaging and training talent in a hybrid work environment. We will look at the importance of flexibility, communication, and recognition, while highlighting the role of digital learning platforms, virtual workshops, and mentorship programs in fostering growth and productivity. Also underscoring the need for continuous adaptation to meet the evolving needs of employees in the dynamic landscape of hybrid work.