AusLeisure

The Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC) has added a second keynote and a further two high profile speakers to its line-up, completing its 2025 program.

Christopher Breedlove, Burning Man’s Director of Civic Activation, will deliver a keynote address exclusively via livestream on the topic of ‘the future of festivals’.

The topic will explore what makes Burning Man’s business and operational model unique, from its 'gift culture' to ‘leave no trace’ policy.

Additionally, Breedlove will outline how the festival has continued to evolve in response to technology advancements in waste management and energy production, as well as how it has responded to recent natural weather events.

Finally, Breedlove will outline what he feels are the opportunities for festivals across the globe, in terms of their ability to stay viable and relevant, particularly in the wake of post-pandemic changes in consumer and ticket-buying behaviour.

Looking forward to his presentation, Breedlove advises “I’m honoured to be joining AFIC and sharing stories from Burning Man, and our global community.

"For nearly four decades, Black Rock City (our event) has served as a living laboratory - challenged by shifting climate, evolving technology and changing cultural currents like post-pandemic behaviours.

“Through it all, Burning Man’s 10 Principles have offered a compass, helping us not just adapt, but reimagine what we can be.

"I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow producers and creators in Australia and exploring this conversation.”

Additional speakers to join the line-up include:

• Stephen Wray: Director of Music and Director of the Arts, Office of Arts 
• Lauren Penny: Chair of Major Events Business Group – Queensland (MEBG-Q) 

Wray will cover off on what support is available for music festivals. He’ll also provide a brief update on the next steps of the Federal Government’s recent ‘Am I ever going to see you live again’ inquiry, as well as funding opportunities, including the Revive Live program.

Penny will be introducing the newly launched industry membership body: Major Events Business Group, a body been set up specifically with the aim of advocating for Queensland-based suppliers in preparation for the 2032 Olympics and beyond.

Carlina Ericson, founder and Event Director of AFIC commented “I’m delighted to announce that our 2025 program is now complete!

“I think the industry will be eager to hear from all three speakers! Each of them will offer invaluable learnings and timely updates – it’s a rare opportunity that the industry won’t want to miss."

These final speakers join the existing line-up of 2025 speakers, who are as follows:

• Keynote: John Rostron, Chief Executive, Association for Independent Festivals (UK) 

Government representatives: 
• Christen Cornell, Research Fellow and Manager, Creative Australia 
• The Hon. John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for Music, the Night-Time Economy and the Arts 
• Victoria Scott, Culture, Entertainment and Destination Events Director, Tourism & Events Queensland 

Presentations, Q&As and panel discussions, featuring:  
• Greg Cavanagh, Chief Executive, Gympie Music Muster 
• Charlie Cush, Chief Executive, Brisbane Festival 
• Peter Noble, Festival Director, Bluesfest Byron Bay 
• Vicky Lowry, General Manager, Deni Ute Muster 
• Sam Pearce, Chief Operating Officer - Pacific Air Show and Co-Founder, Crafted Beer Festival 
• Louise Bezzina, Artistic Director, Brisbane Festival 
• Katie James, experienced events professional 
• Sylvie Maclean, Head of Commercial, Tixel 
• Chris Woods, Head of Partnerships, APAC, Flicket 
• Heidi Lenffer, Founder and Director, F.E.A.T 
• Aimee Davies, Founder, Mental Health Educator, Hey Mate 
• Travis Anderson, Sector Manager – Events Asia Pacific Region, Aggreko Event Services 
• Alana Hay, Founder and Managing Director, Milestone Creative 
• Jason Holmes, Managing Director of H2 Insurance Solutions 
• Badi Noble, Founder and Director of Casual Hands 
• Lars Brandle, AFIC MC & Head of Content at Vinyl Media 

AFIC is the Asia Pacific’s leading industry meeting place for festival management personnel who deliver quality music, arts & culture, food & drink, ideas and sporting festivals.  

The event takes place across on 8th and 9th September at Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane. 

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Christopher Breedlove: Director of Civic Activation, Burning Man.

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