NSW Festival Crisis Sparks Launch Of New Australian Industry Conference

In the wake of the current NSW festival crisis, a brand new conference has been launched for music industry professionals. 

Going down on 24 October in Coffs Harbour, the Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC) will be dedicated entirely to festival industry professionals and will aim to "discuss key national issues facing the industry and facilitate the professional development of Australian festival and major event management staff".

Speaking about the need for such an event, AFIC founder Carlina Ericson noted that “the festival industry climate, particularly in NSW, is extremely volatile at the moment".

"Organisers are facing a number of major challenges to ensure their survival," she said. 

"This is all the more reason why AFIC is needed – to provide a forum whereby key issues can be openly and collectively discussed.

"Anyone who works in the business of organising, or supplying services and infrastructure to festivals and major events (including music, arts & culture, food, etc) is encouraged to come along."

The conference has also revealed this year’s keynote speaker will be the Senior Business Development Manager - Australia, New Zealand & Hawaii for SXSW, Phil Tripp.

The first round of speakers will be revealed on Wednesday 8 May when early-bird tickets go on sale. Follow the link here for more details.