The Main Stage will see the return of the popular Access Sessions. Taking the form of a 45 minute panel debate, each session will bring together experts from across the industry to share their experiences, discuss new ideas and outline prospects for the year ahead.
First to take to the stage is Piers Shepperd of Wonder Works, who will chair a panel on The Importance of Opening and Closing Ceremonies to the Cultural Heritage and Legacy of Large Sporting Events, which will also feature David Zolkwer, artistic director and head of ceremonies at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Other sessions planned for Wednesday include a Question Time style panel debate looking at the key issues effecting event organisers in 2015. Followed by There's more to festivals than music as a panel seeks to explore the additional areas of entertainment and creativity that give festivals their different identities.
On Thursday 19 February, Wayne Hemingway will speak on the Gentrification of Festivals before the Access Sessions conclude with People, Planet, Profit - The Energy Revolution, a debate with Chris Johnson, Shambala Festival; Ben Robinson, Kendal Calling and Ollie Stroud, Secret Garden Party. Introducing a new initiative to tackle energy at events and encourage investment in renewable solutions, the session will outline the 10 UK festivals that have formed an alliance to actively address climate change as well as their ideas for how audiences, suppliers and the overall industry can work together to achieve a greener future.
Liz Agostini, event director comments, "We're really pleased with the speaker programme for this year's show and have worked hard to create sessions that will be engaging, informative and, hopefully, inspirational. With a strong balance of experience from across all sectors of our industry, we hope to draw sell-out crowds and ensure the Event Production Show remains the 'go to' exhibition for news and views on the latest trends and topics in live events."
(Jim Evans)
