Australian Festival Industry Conference expands to two days

Interest in the inaugural Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC), being held in Coffs Harbour, has seen the event expanded to two days - 24th and 25th October - to allow a greater sharing of industry knowledge and insights.

The expansion to run across two days has allowed additional speakers to be added to the program along with a cocktail party and networking event, workshops and the opportunity to join some of the Coffs Coast’s most successful festival organisers on a tour of its event facilities.

Australia’s only festival industry conference, AFIC provides organisers and suppliers alike with the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s most experienced professionals around legislative changes, operational developments, event management technology advances and funding opportunities.

The conference presents some of Australia’s biggest names in festival management, consulting and government, with the most recently announced speakers including:

• Jon ‘J.C.’ Corbishley FSIA - Director, The Safety Officer Pty Ltd
• Chris Spencer - General Manager, Saltwater Freshwater Festival & Arts Alliance
• Dan Heather - Section Leader, Stadium & Major Events, Coffs Harbour City Council
• Mike Hammond, Chief Executive and Director, EMS Event Medical

Advising that the conference responds directly to the current state of play in the industry, AFIC founder and Event Director, Carlina Ericson stated “there are now more festivals in Australia than ever before; however, organisers are facing a number of challenges to ensure their survival.

“Sponsorship and funding, digital entertainment access, and public safety are all threats that organisers need to face to sustain their businesses.

“These threats are commonly featured in discussions taking place right across the country, and the launch of AFIC is therefore quite timely – providing a platform for professional and intelligent discussion.”

AFIC’s already confirmed speakers include long-term music and entertainment industry expert, Phil Tripp, former Senior Business Development Manager - Australia, New Zealand & Hawaii for SXSW (South by Southwest) Conference & Festivals (USA).

Tripp brings almost 50 years of industry experience, having worked across numerous festivals, including founding Australia’s leading music news website (TheMusic.com.au) and produced major entertainment industry conferences over 19 years in Sydney.

Other confirmed industry heavyweights include Director and Chief Executive of Adelaide Fringe, Heather Croall; Acting Director, Policy & Legislation at Liquor and Gaming NSW, Angus Abadee; and research specialist Glenn Hardy of IER Pty Ltd.

AFIC 2019 is being helf at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Click here for more information on AFIC in the Australasian Leisure Management calendar.

Image courtesy of the Woodford Folk Festival.