This month sees the inaugural AOIFE Festival and Events Advice Clinic roll into Westmeath to engage with the 50-plus festival and event organisers in the county.
Representatives of the Association of Irish Festivals and Events (AOIFE ) will be traversing the country in an effort to meet local organisers and members of festival and event committees. The pop-up clinics will allow organisers to meet AOIFE personnel and get advice on some of the challenges facing them.
Founded in 1993, AOIFE has over 200 members and helps not-for-profit festivals to expand their goals through training and networking.
Among the issues the clinic can help with are the European Festival Labelling & Awards Programme; funding and grant applications; setting up a new festival or event; Revenue and sponsorship opportunities; LEADER and cluster support; social media mentoring; and connections and contacts.
Participants must register with AOIFE in advance to book a 30-minute advice slot or 30-minute social media mentoring slot on the day. The advice service is free to members, and non-members must pay a fee of €50.
Priority will be given to members of the association, but it is hoped the programme will also give a chance for organisers of newer festivals and events in the non-profit sector to meet first hand with the senior team.
The advice clinic will be held in Athlone at the Prince of Wales Hotel from 9.30am-1.30pm on Tuesday, January 31. To register for a 30-minute advice slot, please contact Christina at (090 ) 9643779, or see www.aoifeonline.com
