LEADERS’ SUMMIT
DAY ONE – 8 OCTOBER
9:45 – 10:45 Badge Collection / Registration 10:50 Welcome from AAA 11:00 – 11:35 The Big Issues The 2026 summer season analysed and explored, with the biggest challenges identified and possible solutions found. Laura Armstrong – Festivals Director, AEG Presents Toby Gwazdacz – Managing Director, Boomtown Nick Morgan – CEO, We Group Sarah Bullen – GM, Goodwood Revival Chair: Chris Barrett – AAA Meetings & Lunch
13:45 – 14:20 Ready, Weather or Not... How can event producers best mitigate against the impact of extreme weather to ensure the safety of attendees and crew, protect sites and equipment, and more broadly minimise environmental impact long-term. Claire O ' Neill – CEO, AGF Pauline Bourdon – Sustainable events and touring consultant; Director, Soliphilia Jess Noakes – Projects Director, LS Events Ross Robertson – Regional Managing Director, UK & Europe, Arena Group Chair: Fran Martin – Head of Live, FRUKT & Octagon
14:25 – 15:00 AAA Backstage Podcast Interview Rebecca Kane Burton – COO, Superstruct Interviewer: Chris Barrett – AAA
16:15 – 16:50 Roundtables 1. Forging a creative identity( Hosted by Visual Architects) With many organisers shifting investment away from huge headliners to a broader more immersive event offering, we explore how creative experiences are shaping and defining festivals. 2. Financing festivals( Hosted by Specialist Risk) With costs across the board having soared, what are the most cost-effective ways to create and promote a successful event, and what are the key funding / grant channels available? 3. What Martyn ' s Law means for you( Hosted by K4 Security Services) More than a year after the Terrorism( Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received royal assent, the Home Office published statutory guidance. What does Martyn ' s Law mean for event operators?
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