The soapbox sessions

An essential seminar & networking event for the next generation of live music industry leaders

Free admission & complimentary networking drinks

Tuesday, 17 September

2:30 – 7pm

229 London

Great Portland St

SUPPORTED BY

Venue Partner

Futures Forum and LIVE are joining forces to host an essential seminar and networking event on Tuesday, 17 September 2024.

Join us for a series of Soapbox Sessions from industry experts that will bring you up to speed on the key issues in the UK live music business.

The afternoon event will feature six 15-minute sessions on venues, festivals, workforce, touring, sustainability, and government, giving attendees the latest news and developments from each of these critical sectors.

The experts are:

Yasmin Galletti

We Are The Fair – LIVE Festivals

John Drury

OVO Arena Wembley – LIVE Venues

Charisse Beaumont

Black Lives in Music – LIVE Workforce

Craig Stanley

Marshall Arts – LIVE Touring

Carol Scott

TAIT – LIVE Green

Jon Collins

LIVE – Government

The two hours of bite sized presentations will be followed by complimentary networking drinks.

Tickets for the session are free – simply RSVP below.

Futures Forum is an ILMC initiative for emerging live music executives. The event is jointly organised by Futures Forum and LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment), with support from AEG Europe, The O2 and AXS.

The comprehensive crash course will take place at 229 London on Great Portland Street.

Mark your calendars, sharpen your pencils, and check in with your boss — we hope to see you there!

RSVP FOR FREE

THE AGENDA

Taking inspiration from Futures Forum’s flagship event in spring, the event will be made up of six Soapbox Sessions by sector leaders and hosted by LIVE’s Jon Collins.

The live music industry is all about interconnectedness. Whatever part of the business you are in, to get on and take your career to the next level it is essential to understand the various aspects that go in to making a successful industry.

In this seminar, Futures Forum and LIVE will give emerging leaders an opportunity to brush up on their knowledge of the wider ecosystem with no filler – just short, sharp sessions focussed on what you need to know.

Here’s your detailed rundown…

14:30–15:00 – Arrivals, refreshments and hellos

15:10–15:25 – Yasmin Galletti, We Are The Fair, LIVE Festivals

With the UK’s 2024 festival season drawing to a close, Yasmin will weigh up the summer calendar and give an early outlook for 2025. This session will address topical issues such as the impact of organising costs on ticket prices, delivering a safe event, and meeting sustainability goals.

15:25–15:40 – John Drury, OVO Arena Wembley, LIVE Venues

Wembley Arena’s VP and GM will conduct a health check of the market, from grassroots music venues (GMVs) to arenas and stadiums. Here, John will discuss the implications of the Parliamentary Select Committee report, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and the government’s plan to tackle ticket touting.

15:40–15:55 – Charisse Beaumont, Black Lives in Music, LIVE Workforce

How do we better support our vital freelance workers? What opportunities are opened up by Labour’s plans for Skills England and a revised skills levy? And how do we make our industry more inclusive for all? These are the kinds of pressing matters that will be addressed by LIVE Workforce chair Charisse Beaumont.

15:55–16:10 – Quick refreshments and toilet break

16:10–16:25 – Craig Stanley, Marshall Arts, LIVE Touring

Craig will give the lowdown on touring under the current arrangements and consider solutions for challenges around haulage, carnets and cabotage and merch commission. What improvements are needed to the logistics of inbound/outbound touring? And what opportunities do we have with the new government? Find out in this session.

16:25–16:40 – Carol Scott, Tait, LIVE Green

Sustainability stalwart Carol will give an update on the UK industry’s progress towards a greener future. What are the wins we should be celebrating and what are the pitfalls we should be wary of? In this session, she’ll also discuss the work that is being done on sustainability clauses and a green rider, and point to supporting resources available through LIVE.

16:40–16:55 - Jon Collins, LIVE, Government

With a new government in power, Jon will provide a crucial overview of the sector’s standing in the eyes of Labour. How can the live industry build awareness with the cabinet and align our objectives with theirs? What is the government’s plan for EU touring, ticket touting and VAT on concert and festival tickets? Learn the answers to these questions in this timely session.