A special conference on producing successful festivals and social events will be held in Ballinasloe in November.
‘The Business of Fun’, held in conjunction with the Association of Irish Festival Events' 18th annual conference, is aimed at anyone working in the events industry.
The conference will offer Irish festival and event producers opportunities to exchange notes and ideas with their European counterparts.
Topics to be discussed include generating sponsorship and commercial revenue, marketing and communications, collaboration and partnerships, and social media as well as the practicalities of running festivals and quality events.
A number of speakers have been confirmed, including a number of media professionals, editor of Journal.ie, Susan Daly, and Orla Nix of RTE Nationwide.
The use of social media will also be discussed, aimed at highlighting the many opportunities for quality communications, audience development, and engagement through this new medium.
The conference also serves as a showcase for bands, acts, artists and performers, bringing a huge element of fun to the two day event. Suppliers to the sector will be able to meet event organisers through the Festive Expo – which runs alongside.
Each year the Rocket Pyrotechnics Festival Event Supplier Awards and the Carlton Best of Marketing Awards acknowledge the quality work carried out by organisers, suppliers and entertainers in the industry.
A number of Galway businesses were awarded at last year’s conference, including Aine Kilgallon received the award for Best PR Agency, Blacklight for best lighting, and iSupply. Gort comedy duo The Gombeens was awarded Best Children’s Act, and Most Supportive Local Authority went to Galway City Arts Office. In the Carlton Best of Marketing Awards; Earwig Arts, based in Tuam was awarded Best Festival Photograph.
The ‘Business of Fun’ Conference will be held on November 10 and 11 in the Carlton Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe in association with Fáilte Ireland.
