The AFO Conference will return virtually on Saturday 25th February from 10am to 5pm, with tickets now on sale. Forced to cancel the November face-to-face Conference planned for Stoke on Trent due to an industrial dispute and other issues, AFO concluded that a virtual conference was the best way for everyone to get together; to teach, learn and network.

The AFO Conference will bring together festivals and event professionals, suppliers in the events sector and individuals in the industry from across the UK, together to discuss and share ideas whilst hearing from a range of excellent speakers. The day will also offer plenty of opportunities for networking.

It will l include speakers discussing a wide range of relevant topics in the festival and events sector, which will begin with a presentation from keynote speaker and CEO of LIVE, Jon Collins, who will discuss The View from LIVE. Other topics throughout the day will include Martyn’s Law, New Websites, The Green Events Code, Gender-balancing, International Rescue, The Ice is melting and much more!

Alongside Collins, speakers at the conference include Russ Philips (UK Crowd Management Association), Hannah Cox (Better Not Stop), Joe Heap (Towersey Festival), Eddie Barcan (Splendid Events) & Vick Bain (The F List) and Ian Smith (frusion) The conference will also feature music showcases from Derbyshire-based band Rare Occasion and rising star Nina Zella.

The Conference will also hear from AFO’s General Secretary, Steve Heap, who will address the measures of success that we use, look at why we worry about BIG, Biggest, Best and will conclude the conference with a shout out for this 2023 festival season to be THE recovery year. Commenting on the announcement, Steve Heap said: “It will be a great day packed with advice and knowledge from experts within the festival and events industry. We are looking forward to getting together for a full day of learning, listening, sharing, and networking.”

Tickets are priced at £25 for AFO members and £40 for non-members. For details of how to book please visit www.festivalorganisers.org