UK Festival Conference announces 2010 panellists

Thursday November 18th, British Music Experience at The O2, London The industry’s leading figures have been confirmed to appear on the diverse collection of sessions set to take place during this year’s event. Now in it’s third year and taking place at the in London, on has quickly established itself as the must-attend event for the UK and global festival industry.Conference seminars‘Making your festival profitable’  - in association with Music WeekPanellists: Christopher Barrett – Features Editor, Music WeekAndy Smith – Kendal Calling, DirectorAlex Brooke – Peppermint Events & Bars, Director Fiona Stewart – Green Man FestivalJim Mawdsley – CEO, GeneratorRunning a festival is a fun – but risky – business, especially with so much competition in the market and difficult economic conditions. From policing expenses and infrastructure to all the little “extras” that give events their uniqueness, what options are there for cutting costs without compromising quality, and what non-traditional revenue streams can be accessed? This panel of experts will show you how. ‘Best Practice for Leveraging Branded Activity at Music Festivals without selling out’ - with Brand RepublicPanellists:Rich Sutcliffe – Editor, Brand RepublicRay Smith – CEO, Be At TVChris McCormick – Managing Director, Size12ShoeDave Chase – Head of Music Partnerships, BrandampRichard Dickinson – Partner, Arnold & PorterChris Thornhill – Brand Manager – Carlsberg TuborgWalking the fine line of festival brand activity is fraught with disaster. Too much intrusion and you'll leave the wrong lasting impression, too little and your reward might be found in heaven and not on the bottom line. Brand Republic explores the right and wrong approaches to branded activity at music festivals, celebrating the good and highlighting the pitfalls to be avoided. ‘Non-ticketed events should be banned…discuss’  - in association with TPiPanellists:Mark Cunningham – TPi Magazine, Editor-In-ChiefSimon Battersby – Showsec, Event Security ManagerMark Hamilton, FdA MA – G4S Events, MD & Global Product Development / Bucks New University, Head of Centre for Crowd Management and Security StudiesProfessor G. Keith Still PhD BSc FIMA – Bucks New University Centre for Crowd Management and SecurityJon Drape – Ear To The Ground, Live DirectorAndy Cotton – TAO Productions, Event Organiser, Production Manager & Cabinet Office Lecturer The Love Parade disaster was a tragic example of the dangers presented by non-ticketed music events, but there is also evidence that, if managed properly with the correct crowd control measures, these events can operate safely. Key figures in crowd management will debate the viability of banning non-ticketed events and discuss the pivotalrelationship between crowd control measures and the enjoyment of the festival-goer. ‘The Crime Busters’  - in association with LIVE UK Although festivals have exemplary crime rates, compared with communities of the same size, large crowds of young people enjoying themselves are still seen as easy prey for organised crime gangs. In a follow-up to last year’s panel, LIVE UK will be reviewing the effects of this season’s anti-crime initiatives, discussing new ideas and looking at the threats festival organisers still need to be aware of.. ‘Battle of the Bands’ - in association with Audience  While tens of thousands of aspiring wannabes worldwide are constantly locked in battles for prizes and profile, there’s a maelstrom of conflicts taking place at the top of the business, as festivals fight for the best artists and agents struggle to secure prime positions and fees. Acts mean audiences; with fans even prepared to move between countries to see their favourite artists. This panel examines this relatively new dynamic. ‘Dispatches from the Field’ – in association with IQ Panellists: Allan McGowan – Associate Editor, IQ MagazineJohn Giddings – Founder, Solo Agency/Isle of Wight FestivalJohn Probyn – Chief Operating Officer, Live NationJames Barton – Co-founder, Cream Part of the joy of festivals is their unpredictability. From hurricanes and heatwaves, to riots and revelry, we all have a festival tale or two, but this panel of industry experts have them in abundance. IQ Magazine will be welcoming an allstar cast to the stage to swap festival tales from the frontline, as they share some of their highs, lows and most unusual moments from the field. Tickets for the Festival Awards UK Conference & Awards 2010 have now gone on sale via the exclusive ticketing platform HMV Tickets and are available in the following price structures. Delegates wishing to attend the Conference and/or Award events can combine ticket packages to suit their needs:More at www.festivalconference.com, while tickets can be purchased directly from HMV Tickets by visiting www.hmvtickets.com/festivalawards/events/1311 CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE UK FESTIVAL AWARDS http://uk.festivalawards.com/