The EAFN Show – 2024
THE EAST ANGLIAN FESTIVAL NETWORK (EAFN) SHOW 2024
was held on Monday 14th October 2024
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT SPONSORED, SUPPORTED AND ATTENDED OUR 5TH ANNUAL SHOW
at Huntingdonshire’s largest and premier venue the Burgess Hall Events and Conference Centre
in the beautiful market town of St Ives, the Old Riverport in Cambridgeshire.
Virtual Tour of the Burgess Hall
Click here to view the EAFN Show 2024 Programme and Photographs
Click here to view the EAFN Show 2024 Video
The EAFN Show 2024 was our fifth annual free one day Conference and Exhibition to bring together hundreds of event organisers, venues and suppliers from across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk (and beyond). It’s a great opportunity to share information, knowledge and expertise, network and identify new supply chain opportunities, which can benefit the environment, the audience, the event industry and the regional economy…. and you get to meet lovely, like-minded people and have fun in the process!
Thank you to our EAFN Show 2024 Headline Sponsors:
Gofer Ltd and Electric Cat Productions
The EAFN Show 2024 was once again FREE to attend to enjoy:
Two Workshops run by Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) and Tonic Music for Mental Health
Networking
Live Music from EllY Tree, Soloman Smith, Evy Frearson and JUDVH
More Entertainment from: the Amazing Anthony – Multi Award Winning Mind Reader, Magician and Tarot Reader; Silhouette Portraits and Caricatures produced by Master Scissor Artist John Thurman; and Storytelling from Marion Leeper – long time member of the Cambridge Storytellers, and involved in organising the East Anglian Storytelling Festival.
Great Food and Bars to enjoy in house. Burgess Hall has plenty of Food and Drinks to sustain you through the day. As well as Alcoholic beverages, Breakfast and Lunch menus you can also get hot and cold drinks/Snacks and Ice Cream from the Bars.
EAFN Show 2024 Timetable:
-
- SHOW OPENS at 09.30
- 09.30-10.00 Exhibition Stands/Bars open (Breakfast 09.30-11.30) + 1st session of Networking
- 10.00-10.30 Conference Session 1 in Main Hall (FOS) – Accessibility and Cultural Diversity in our events.
- 10.30-1130 Morning Workshop (Upstairs Workshop Suite) – Funding (+ Diversity Project update) – ECDP.
- 11.30-12.00 Conference Session 2 in Main Hall (FOS) – Achieving Sustainability for Events.
- 12.00-13.35 Lunchtime Entertainment (Live Music on Stage plus Food & Refreshments (Lunches 12.00-15.00)
- 13.35-14.05 Conference Session 3 in Main Hall (FOS) – How Technology can help with our Events.
- 14.05-14.35 Afternoon Workshop (Upstairs Workshop Suite) – Mental Health at Festivals – TONIC MUSIC
- 14.35-15.05 Conference Session 4 in Main Hall (FOS) – Working together to improve our events.
- 15.05-16.00 Last chance for Networking and Goodbyes.
- SHOW CLOSES at 16.00
The venue’s location has good public transport links (including The Busway – connecting Huntingdon, St Ives & Cambridge) and plenty of accommodation to stay over. If you do bring a vehicle the venue has a large free car park right outside. For those needing to escape from the hustle and bustle of the main hall on the day there was a designated quiet room upstairs and a reception lounge area downstairs, there’s also an outside patio off the downstairs bar.
Thank you once again to our headline sponsors Gofer Ltd and Electric Cat Productions and to all our other Supporters:
Grapevine Live Since 1991 Grapevine Magazine has been listing, reviewing and reporting on LIVE entertainment in the region. Performers and venues can add events to the listings for FREE by registering online at http://grapevinelive.co.uk/
A huge thank you to Ipswich based print company Colourplan Print for producing our EAFN Show Programme once again. They offer a wide range of services to customers across East Anglia. They are part of the Mansion House Group which also includes Grapevine Live/Magazine https://www.colourplan.co.uk/
Another huge thank you to SixtyTwoThings a small design and promotions company specialising in images, graphics, websites and words who were our official photographers on the day https://sixtytwothings.com/
Offbeat Tickets were our official EAFN Show Ticket providers this year. Register your attendance for free at this year’s event at Reserve a Ticket for THE EAFN SHOW 2024 – EAST ANGLIA’S EVENT PRODUCTION EXHIBITION/CONFERENCE! (offbeattickets.com)
Vibrant Colour Print and Promotions provided our lovely green eco tote bags for the EAFN Show this year. They are made from recycled plastic bottles and T-Shirt offcuts and will be handed out to the first 100 attendees on the day.
BoMoJo were our official EAFN Show videographers once again. Thank you to BoMoJo for producing this excellent VIDEO OF THE EAFN SHOW 2024 that gives you a flavour of the day with background music from our local performers in the lunchtime showcase.
The fabulous broadcaster/podcaster Sue Marchant recorded podcast interviews on the day and these will be published on https://www.spottedinely.com/sue-marchants-podcast/
Terms and Conditions for Delegates at the EAFN Show 2024
Exhibitors
This page lists all the exhibitors joining us for the EAFN Show 2024 in the Main Hall of the Burgess Hall Events and Conference Centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire on Monday 14th October 2024 (they’ll also be listed in the Show Programme on the day):
Atlas Medical (on Stand 11) is a leading medical care provider to the TV, Film and Event industries. With a fleet of fully equipped Ambulances, our focus is on patient centred care and capability medical support, we set the bar high and only use registered, experienced and checked Nurses, Paramedics and Technicians. On request we can Risk Assess any event, determine what medical support you need, provide training and give you peace of mind that your customers and clients are cared for from start to finish.
BoMoJo Films, Video, Audio, Digital Media (on Stand 4) delivers fresh ideas and quality digital media for every conceivable type of client, industry and purpose for businesses and organisations of all sizes. With local, national and international clients, digital media in the form of film, video and audio for TV or the web is within the reach of even the most modest budget. We love what we do and are dedicated to providing a personal service tailored to meet individual requirements. To discuss your specific needs, please give us a call on 0774 615 2244 or email us to help your business succeed. https://www.bomojo.com/
Cap Trac (on Stand 2) is at the forefront of providing award-winning temporary trackway and ground protection for the festival and outdoor events industry. Having picked up the Best New Product award at last year’s Festival Supplier Awards.
Our premium flooring systems cover pedestrian and vehicle access, marquee flooring, temporary parking, pitch covers, HGV and crane access, and more. Whether it’s a single event or a long-term project, we focus on delivering a tailored approach, with flexible hire and purchase options.
Benefit from personalised quotes, dedicated support, and bespoke solutions that fit your needs and budget. With over 50 years of industry experience across the team, Cap Trac ensures your project’s success. No job is too small – we’re here to make a difference. https://captrac.co.uk/
Carbon Charter (on Stand 8) supports low carbon business practices across Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond. Our logo tells your customers that you have been independently assessed on sustainability, while our website offers a host of free resources to all. We have worked with festivals including Folk East (Carbon Charter Gold) and the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival (Pathfinder Partners) to reduce impacts and promote their green credentials. Call 01473 350 370 to discuss how we can help – including free and impartial advice for all Suffolk businesses – or check out the free resources at http://www.carboncharter.org/
DCRS Ltd (on Stand 16) Direct Communications Radio Services (Est. 1987) have become one of the UK’s market leaders in the hire, sales and service of voice and data two-way radio communication products and applications to clients throughout the UK and Europe. We are suppliers of the hire, sales and service of voice and data radio communication systems, bodycams, and applications. We provide simple solutions for those who need a temporary communication solution. Two-way radio hire has proven to be invaluable for Event Specialists and Event Organisers and other sectors such as Councils and Local Authorities, TV and Film Crews, Security and Private Parking. Organising any event or general on-site communication requires total dedicated support, and at DCRS, there is always a team on-call or on-site ready to assist you. http://www.dcrs.co.uk/
East Anglian Festival Network (is on Stand 5 – Reception Desk) The EAFN provides a framework to connect East Anglian Festival, Fair and Funday Organisers, Workers, Suppliers, Traders, Venues, Performers and Festival goers across the region. The EAFN aims to help build the relationships that will support our local economy and culture, publicise our region’s events, services and facilities and reduce environmental impact and promote well-being and safety at our region’s events. http://www.eafn.co.uk/
Electric Cat Productions (EAFN Show 2024 Co-headline Sponsor) (on Stand 13) is a specialised B2B marketing and events agency dedicated to providing bespoke marketing solutions for companies and organisations in the events industry. With a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in this field, we are committed to helping businesses enhance their presence within the industry, create a lasting impact, and connect with their ideal clients. For businesses looking to offer clients unforgettable experiences or seeking new ways to engage with audiences, Electric Cat Productions is the answer! Get in touch today to explore how we can elevate your brand to the next level and truly breathe life into your brand. https://www.electriccat.co/
Essex Cultural Diversity Project (on Stand 18) energises cultural diversity in arts and heritage. Their mission is to create opportunities, stimulate participation and provide a focal point for the development, celebration and co-ordination of cultural diversity through arts and heritage activity. We achieve this through an exciting programme of projects, festivals and events; commissioning artists to explore community, diversity and place; and supporting artists, arts organisations and communities working in diversity through training and networking events, signposting opportunities and providing important platforms for their work. We work strategically with creative practitioners, culture and heritage sectors, diverse communities and the voluntary sector to help develop skills, build sustainable networks and infrastructures, alongside creating new opportunities to enhance diverse artists’ work. Essex Cultural Diversity Project is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, http://www.essexcdp.com/
We are pleased to welcome out partners The Event Production Show (on Stand 3) to the EAFN Show. The Event Production show is the longest-running event designed for all event professionals involved in running outdoor and live events, including festivals, sport, corporate and brand experiences, local authority events and stadium/arena tours. EPS is the meeting place and market for live event promoters, producers and agencies. https://www.eventproductionshow.co.uk/
Foolhardy Circus Arts (on Stand 14) will be at the EAFN Show with a Circus equipment stand, a free workshop and demos.
They can offer the following in any configuration: Performances; Big Top hire; Seating hire; Walkabout characters to suit your event; and Bespoke online content, including circus tuition and performances. More
Information at https://www.foolhardycircus.org/
Gofer Ltd (on Stand 1) offer the complete power management service and have kindly sponsored all five EAFN Shows. Whatever your requirement, regardless of scale; Gofer ensures your power hire runs smoothly, providing a professional service and supplying reliable power. Gofer offer a complete power management service and if required their team of qualified engineers are available to assist with technical set-up and on-site support. https://gofer.co.uk/
John Thurman (on Stand 22) is a commercial artist and designer specialising in silhouette portraits for events and presentations. Entertaining talks and demonstrations given. John is also a swanee whistle, tenor banjo, accordian and guitar player!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thurman-b7353035
Link Radio Services (on Stand 7) are specialists in the hire, supply and servicing of mobile two way radio communications equipment. Established in 1991 and operating from offices in Norwich, Link Radio Services are able to cater for any radio communications needs locally or nationally. Their hire fleet is available to hire from periods of a day or, if required, a longer term, and a wide selection of accessories are available. Contact directly on: hire@linkradioservices.co.uk to discuss your requirements. https://linkradioservices.co.uk/
Based in Cambridge, Marion Leeper (on Stand 21) and her amazing story mat are familiar visitors to museums, schools and libraries around the region. She has toured her shows for grownups to clubs and festivals around the country and internationally. She tells stories for children of all ages, and specialises in multi-sensory storytelling for the very young and for people with learning difficulties.
She writes on education and storytelling for the magazine Early Years Educator and for PPS books.
She is a long time member of the local group Cambridge Storytellers, and is currently involved in organising the East Anglian Storytelling Festival. https://www.marionleeperstoryteller.co.uk/
Established in 2013, NOWIE (Network of Women in Events) (on Stand 20) continues to strive to create better opportunities for women within the events industry. Would you like to see women better represented across the events industry? Us too! There are thousands of women working hard at events and yet, as with many other industries, the faces we see at awards shows, on panels and in the media remain overwhelmingly male.
WE ARE DRIVING CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY !
Offbeat Tickets (on Stand 9)provide the tools so festivals and venues can sell their own tickets, manage their own data and accreditation with cash flow coming direct to them. The event owner becomes the ticket seller rather than using a 3rd party; which reduces cost, increases cash flow and provides a direct relationship with customers. https://offbeattickets.com/
PAC Wristbands (on Stand 23) – Supplier of all types of event wristbands, lanyards and passes. Showing a new range of eco – friendly product options.
Spark Arts Marketing & Project Management(on Stand 17) are a marketing micro-agency working exclusively with the arts and cultural industries in the UK. We work with a variety of organisations such as theatres, art galleries, museums and festivals on large or small scale projects.
However, we’re not just marketers; we’re fans of the arts. With hands-on experience working within cultural organisations, we become part of your team. We’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves and immerse ourselves in your world of creativity.
https://sparkampm.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/sparkampm/
The Amazing Anthony (on Stand 10) – Multi Award Winning Mind Reader, Magician and Tarot Reader as seen on television. THE choice for Corporate events, Weddings, Dinner Parties, Hen Nights to experience the best in Mind Reading and Magic in your own home, or at your chosen venue. No stooges, no ‘plants’ and you know the audience. Anthony is unique in providing this service for the discerning.
Double Winner Tarot Reader of the Year 2024 & 2023. You can watch the presentation of the Tarot Reader of the Year Award at this link: https://youtu.be/m-R4mBOcplQ
http://www.theamazinganthony.com/
The Power of Events (on Stand 6) is a not-for-profit company established in 2022 to deliver a much-needed comprehensive platform that for the first time provides a showcase of the UK events industry. For the very first time, it provides a one-stop showcase for the UK events industry that allows everyone to explore all the elements that make up this diverse industry across the Four Nations. This platform maps out the seven core sectors and signposts to the four key industry communities – the multiple trade associations, the support organisations, industry media and UK universities working as research partners to support the data needs of the industry.
The Power of Events (UK) has developed partnerships with universities across all Four Nations to help design and deliver research and data that demonstrates the social, economic and cultural impacts of events of all types across the UK. These work projects will be accessible to all who need them, with the industry and academic communities constantly engaged to identify what research is required to support and enhance the understanding of the UK events industry’s value, development and resilience.
The Power of Events (UK) is supported by a wide range of businesses and organisations from across the 7 core event industry sectors. The mission that The Power of Events (UK) is committed to delivering is simple. It aims to showcase, respect and value the world-leading UK events industry. https://www.thepowerofevents.org/
Tonic Music (on Stand 19) is a registered charity with the aim of establishing good mental health within music communities. The Tonic Music team includes qualified mental health practitioners, each with significant experience participating in music as an occupation or hobby. Tonic Music provides accessible programmes of mental health support tailored for the music industry (Tonic Rider), music fans (Never Mind The Stigma) and music youth (Tonic Futures). These programmes equip people with essential mental health skills to support themselves, their peers and the wider music communities. Within the programmes, Tonic Music provides therapeutic sessions, peer groups, preventative workshops and training courses. Each programme includes bespoke mental health resources, which Tonic Music provides to music venues, studios and retailers. Alongside this, Tonic Music provides mental health support front-of-house and backstage at festivals, gigs and other music events. https://www.tonicmusic.co.uk/
Vibrant Colour Print and Promotions (on Stand 12) have worked with outdoor events, primarily in Scouting and Guiding, for the last decade. Let us translate our experience of providing impactful, high quality, affordable event branding, print and merchandise to your festival. We can help with:
– pre event promotional material
– site banners, temporary signage and branding
– programmes, maps and access lanyards
– team clothing and hi-vis
– souvenirs and merchandise
We understand the importance of deadlines, value and sustainability, and can work with you closely to remove the hassle from all your event print needs. https://www.vibrantcolour.co.uk/
We Are Blueshed (on Stand 15) are based in the centre of East Anglia and are passionate about offering excellent equipment available for hire and the very best in technical support, whether it be a full scale theatre show or just a simple acoustic gig at your local we are here to help. With our extensive experience we understand what makes a brilliant event and use the latest equipment to provide stunning results. Our team works with you from start to finish and provide unparalleled levels of support to ensure you stick to budget and find a way of creating a great final result. We have a large and always growing in house stock holding covering Sound, Lighting, Power, Stage, Drape and video to suit all needs.
https://www.weareblueshed.co.uk/
Note: Exhibitors and Stand Numbers are subject to change on the day (although we hope not!).
Performers
Once again we are showcasing excellent musicians from our region for everyone to enjoy at the EAFN Show. They will be performing live on stage in the lunch time Showcase between Midday and 1.35pm
- 12-12.20 – EllY Tree
- 12.25-12.45 – Soloman Smith
- 12.50-13.10 – Evy Frearson
- 13.15. 13.35 – JUDVH
Elly Tree – Bringing passion and flair to music you can dance, listen, laugh and cry to, Helen Woodbridge, aka EllY Tree, is from Suffolk and writes and sings intelligent and irresistible folk songs performed with a driving rhythm and a voice that seems to “summon up the gods”.Kath Tait. “This is weirdly wonky punk folk.”Finalist at Bury FolkSongwriting Competition 2023 and previous runner-up. Winner of Nightingale Stage competition at Ely Folk Festival 2024. Vocal comparisons (surprising or otherwise) have been made with Edie Reader, Hazel O’Connor, Mama Cass, Joan Armatrading and Joni Mitchell and the songwriting of David Byrne. Multiple appearences at FolkEast, Weird and Wonderful Wood, Woodbridge Festival of Arts and Music, WAMfest in Felixstowe, Cosmic Puffin, Ipswich Music Day, the John Peel Centre, Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival, Farmfest in Somerset, pubs and venues throughout East Anglia and beyond. Broadcast on BBC Introducing and local radio.
Soloman Smith writes and performs songs that are memorable and thought-provoking. His lyrics are laced with a wry intelligence and a sense of humour, and his subject matter is as broad as his musical influences. Folk Roots, Blues, Jazz, Americana, and more. Solo or, in combination with others, he has played Folk/Roots shows across the UK and has appeared on national and local radio/media. His music is available on all major platforms and in CD format. He is based in Cambridgeshire UK. “Soloman has a soulful voice and heart of conscience that are easy on the ear. His songs relate to the moment.” BBC East Regional Radio “Blurring the lines between Folk, Soul and Blues” Atthebarrier “A clear, unaffected voice that really allows the song to stay front and centre ” FATEA
Evy Frearson is a 21 year old British born actor/ singer/ songwriter from Essex who loves to explore storytelling through multiple mediums. Her writing and playing style is inspired by her love of the legends from the 70s and the 90s from Stevie Wonder to Jeff Buckley and then to the more contemporary sounds of Yebba and John Mayer. Evy has been played on national and international radio. In the UK, BBC 6, BBC Introducing, Future Hits, CCR, Phoenix FM, Planet Rock and others have featured her music and supported her graciously over the last few years . Host Jake Peac h from BBC introducing has exclaimed “The future is incredibly bright, and just making and writing music with this maturity at this stage, I’m just so delighted to see what is on the horizon for Evy in the next few years.”
JUDVH
“An extraordinary new soul voice” – Tom Robinson BBC6Music
“When it sounds this good, it is worth the wait” – Ellen Ellard BBC Introducing Cambridgeshire
Born in Nigeria, JUDVH (pronounced Judah) was raised by parents with strong, differing musical influences.
After a breakout year in 2018, supporting 2 national tours, performing multiple headline shows across England and receiving the Artist Development Prize at the NMG Awards in 2019, JUDVH took a break from music due to the loss of family during the pandemic. While away from the stage he continued to pour his experience into music, writing daily as a release.
Now 26, JUDVH tells stories of love, loneliness and loss through music, blending genres to create a powerful soundscape and a captivating live performance. For lovers of Gary Clark Jr, Teddy Pendergrass and Jacob Banks; powerful vocals, driving rhythms and exciting instrumental arrangements are promised.
There will be even more entertainment on the day from
Foolhardy Circus Arts , the Amazing Anthony – Multi Award Winning Mind Reader, Magician and Tarot Reader; Silhouette Portraits and Caricatures produced by Master Scissor Artist John Thurman; and Storytelling from Marion Leeper – long time member of the Cambridge Storytellers, and involved in organising the East Anglian Storytelling Festiva
Click HERE to Register for the EAFN Show 2024 for FREE
Click HERE to apply for an exhibition space at the EAFN Show 2024
For all the information you need to attend and exhibit at the EAFN Show 2024 Click HERE.
If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the EAFN Show please contact us by email at office@eafn.co.uk
Speakers
The Conference Sessions for the EAFN Show at the Burgess Hall Events and Conference Centre on Monday 14 Oct 2024 took place in the Main Hall and consisted of four panel sessions with 14 Speakers :
- Session 1 (10.00-10.30) – How we can improve Accessibility and Cultural Diversity in our events.
Click here to listen to Session 1 - Session 2 (11.30-12.00) – Achieving Sustainability for Events.
Click here to listen to Session 2 - Session 3 (13.35-14.05) – A look at how Technology can help with our Events.
Click here to listen to Session 3 - Session 4 (14.35-15.05pm) – Working together to improve our events in the future.
Click here to listen to Session 4 - We also had two workshops and networking sessions across the day in between the Conference Sessions (see below).
YOUR COMPERE FOR THE DAY
Cat Kevern Chair of NOWIE (The Network of Women in Events) has been heavily involved in the live events scene over the last eight years, working around the world at some of the most iconic events and venues. From sporting events to festivals in Costa Rica, New Zealand or even Morocco, she has travelled the world freelancing using her fluent French and Spanish. Recently, Cat has been focusing her attention on her newly founded company, Electric Cat Productions, delivering marketing solutions to event suppliers. When she isn’t working hard onsite, Cat passionately strives for better opportunities for women in the industry and plays a key role as chair of NOWIE delivering events, projects and programmes supporting the community and wider industry.
https://www.electriccat.co/
https://www.nowie.org/
THE SESSIONS
Session 1 – ACCESSIBLE AND DIVERSE EVENTS
Jeordie Shenton is the Programmes Lead at Tonic Music , a registered charity with the aim of establishing good mental health within music communities. Tonic Music provides accessible programmes of mental health support tailored for the music industry (Tonic Rider), music fans (Never Mind The Stigma) and music youth (Tonic Futures). Within the programmes, Tonic Music provides therapeutic sessions, peer groups, preventative workshops and training courses. Each programme includes bespoke mental health resources, which Tonic Music provides to music venues, studios and retailers. Alongside this, Tonic Music provides mental health support front-of-house and backstage at festivals, gigs and other music events.
Note: Jeordie will also be delivering the afternoon workshop in the upstairs conference suite on Mental Health at Music Festivals.
Indi Sandhu has been Creative Director & CEO for the Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) since its inception in 2008.
He began his career at Kent County Council Arts & Libraries as Arts Officer, and over the last ten years has initiated county-wide projects such as Intermix and Creative Diversity Hubs, developing and advocating for cultural diversity programming and diverse artists Development in Essex and the surrounding region.
Seán Mcloughlin is a Freelance Producer based in Rochford, developing and delivering multi-disciplinary projects, events and festivals. He is a musician and an experienced music promoter, currently co producing ‘Soultasia’ and ‘Global Village’ events across the UK. Seán has a huge amount of experience writing funding bids, generating sponsorship and creating networking opportunities for emerging and established individuals and organisations.
Seán produced his first festival in 2000 in a housing estate in Southend ‘Lark in the Park’ (cap 1,000) and went on to help produce the ‘Sutton with Shopland Festival’ (cap 5,000). Seán successfully ran multi-artform and music festival ‘Village Green’ (cap 30,000) and was founder of the popular young people’s festival ‘Village Green: Next Generation’ for 10 years.
https://culturalengine.org.uk/
https://essexcdp.com/
https://soultasia.com/
Following this panel, Indi and Sean (and Giles Tofield see below) will be running a generic funding workshop. The workshop will also cover the ECDP research carried out so far including an update on the ECDP/EAFN Festivals Diversity Survey that many events completed across our region this year.
Giles Tofield (ECDP Strategic Lead). Giles is Director of Cultural Engine CIC, a not-for-profit organisation based in Essex specialising in cultural and heritage development and local economic development.
He is also Strategic Lead at Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) supporting the development of the core creative programme, partnerships and strategy. Giles is a funding and cultural strategy specialist and is currently working to develop the Global Village festival programme with ECDP and the East of England Festival consultation.
https://culturalengine.org.uk/
https://essexcdp.com/
Session 2 – ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE EVENTS
John Rostron – Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) – the UK’s festival representative body. AIF membership has grown rapidly in recent years and has surpassed 200 of the leading independent UK music festivals. AIF helps festivals network, share and support each other as well as providing specialist training and resources for the festival sector. AIF also works in partnership with many key organisations to improve sustainability, inclusion and accessibility for the festival sector. John is a member of the Vision2025UK Outdoor Events Environmental Steering Group, chairs the LIVE Expert Group for festivals and is on the Board of Creative Wales (Welsh Govt department for the Creative Industries) advising on the Welsh Music Sector. https://www.aiforg.com/
Ben Street is the Festival Director of Wild Paths and Wild Fields Festivals in Norwich. Since their inception the team have looked to confront the ecological and climate crisis facing our planet. Hear from Ben what they have achieved to date and their goals and plans for the future. Sustainability | Wild Fields Festival
Peter Frost (Carbon Charter) is the Environment Strategy Officer for Suffolk County Council and is part of the Carbon Charter project. This enables Small and Medium Enterprises all over Norfolk and Suffolk to access advice and accreditation, as well as grant funding towards cutting their carbon footprint and boosting their business through improved efficiency. He is keen to spread the word about how companies can be at the forefront of the new paradigm of transport and how society will change in the near future. As part of that he has been a key instigator of the ‘Plug in Suffolk’ programme to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the county. https://carboncharter.org/
Session 3 – HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP WITH OUR EVENTS
Dominic Hampton is the Managing Director of attend2IT, a company renowned for its 12-year legacy in providing cutting-edge IT solutions to the events and film industry. Based in Hertfordshire, attend2IT supply high-speed, low-latency internet connections, CCTV, ticketing and streaming services across the UK and Europe for some of the UK’s leading events and film productions. His interest in the latest technology have placed attend2IT as a leading service provider, consistently meeting the dynamic and complex needs of the events industry.
attend2IT – Event IT Solutions
Mandeep Birdy is director of the award winning appstudios and will be talking about how apps can boost your event’s visibility, engagement and customer loyalty. Mandeep’s background is rooted in aiding humanitarian and charitable organisations with their messaging, amplifying their voices, and helping them build stronger communities. From project management to marketing, Mandeep’s journey naturally led to mobile apps. Always seeking ways to harness online tools and resources, and to bridge the digital technology gap so tech such as apps are accessible to all. App Studios was founded on the principle of facilitating exceptional communication to audiences, fans, clients, and communities through affordable app solutions. Despite being less than a year old, App Studios is already an award-winning company, assisting mentors, event organisers, spiritual groups, towns, artists, charities, and many others. “My goal is to make apps as accessible to companies, organisations, or charities as websites are today. By pairing no-code app solutions with my marketing background, my heart is set on helping others create engaging, exciting apps that don’t cost an arm and a leg, and are completely self-manageable.” https://appstudios.io/
Justin Crane MD of The Crane Event. Starting life as a failed rockstar, Justin found his calling when he formed The Crane Event, an event specialist agency providing management, production and marketing services. From working at large-scale events such as Wimbledon, The Open and the NFL, to smaller international corporate conferences, his knowledge is extensive yet not exhaustive. Wearing one of his many hats, Justin oversees the project management of WiFi services across many large-scale outdoor events such as The Cambridge Folk Festival for Novahub, and while not a tech-head himself, has gathered experience in the pitfalls and adventures of trying to set up something everybody wants working and wants working now! https://www.thecraneevent.co.uk/
Phil Pethybridge (MD of Neon Street Ltd) will have his Offbeat Tickets hat on to talk about how alternative ticket offerings can reduce costs and provide data ownership and marketing… and much more.
Session 4 – WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE FUTURE EVENTS
The final session rounded off the day with a look to the future. The Power of Events provided an update on their progress and were joined by Event Industry Forum Chair – Steve Heap and Mike Wilson (EAFN Founder).
Simon Hughes is currently the immediate past chair of UKEVENTS having served as Chair during the pandemic. He has been involved with the partnership for over 12 years. He also served as an independent member of the Event Industry Board and a founding director of the Events Apprenticeship Programme Board. He helped found One Industry One Voice in response to the urgent need to bring the whole of the UK event industry together to tackle the challenges of Covid 19. With the launch of The Power of Events he hopes to build on the co-operation and collaboration that supported the UK events industry during the pandemic with a digital platform that showcases the power of events across the 4 Nations of the UK. His most high profile role in the UK event industry was the 10 years he spent as Director of Live Events for the COI, the UK governments marketing communications agency. His team designed and delivered a huge range of events, managed the approved supplier framework and worked with a broad range of creative agencies and suppliers on complex and challenging integrated communication campaigns. THE POWER OF EVENTS (UK) – Showcase, Respect & Value the UK Events Industry
Steve Heap has been Director of Mrs Casey Music (MCM) for over fifty years.(1971 to date )
MCM is a specialist promotion company that has organised festivals and events such as Towersey Festival in Oxfordshire, attracting eight thousand attendees each year. Steve took over the management of the Sidmouth International Festival in 1985 and rebuilt the event to 65,000 visitors over 8 days leaving at it’s 50th year in 2004. The company has also promoted other events at venues in the UK including London’s South Bank Centre, the Royal Albert Hall and events for Local Authorities. Mrs Casey Music also has its own record label, Mrs Casey Records, which specialises in young up and coming acts and ‘great new ideas’.
In the wider Arts and Events Industry, Steve is a consultant to Community Arts Events in the size of a thousand to ten thousand people in either green field sites or indoor venues. He is a founder member and current Chair of the Events Industry Forum (EIF) and a regular contributor to Arts & Events industry publications, including the editing of the Purple Guide.
Steve was General Secretary of the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO), a body of over 160 members that promoted, supported and lobbied on behalf of its members. AFO held an annual conference that attracted over two hundred delegates from the Events Industry. Steve retired after thirty-eight years in 2024 and AFO was dissolved with its members moving over to join The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). https://www.eventsindustryforum.co.uk/, https://www.mrscasey.co.uk/, https://www.thepurpleguide.co.uk/
Mike Wilson (Founder of the EAFN) has beenhttps://www.thepurpleguide.co.uk/ a member of many Festival and Venue Committees including (Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair for over 20 years) and worked at many other Festivals and events including running stages at Secret Garden Party, the Acoustic Festival of Britain and the Oxjam Cambridge multi-venue Festival. As well as running the EAFN, Mike is also a member of the Vision 2025 UK Events Steering Group and an ambassador for the Power of Events and still enjoys various roles at other events including Festival Control at Cropredy, Health and Safety at Ely Folk Festival, the Kidz Field Crew at Glastonbury and acting roles at Kentwell Hall events. https://eafn.co.uk/
There were also two workshops at the Show this year.
The morning workshop (after Session 1 between 10.30 and 11.30) was a generic funding workshop run by the Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) that covered the ECDP research carried out so far including an update on the ECDP/EAFN Festivals Diversity Survey.
The afternoon workshop (after Session 3 between 14.05 and 14.35 was a workshop from Tonic Music on Mental Health at Festivals.
If you are interested in speaking at or sponsoring the EAFN Show 2025 please contact us by email at office@eafn.co.uk