Nicolas Bertrand’s Post

Exploring Festival Growth: How to Build, Scale, and Innovate Your Event From the bustling streets of downtown festivals with their multiple venues and electric atmospheres to the expansive open fields of Bonnaroo where the entire infrastructure is built from the ground up, each type of festival brings unique challenges and opportunities. By examining these diverse environments, we can uncover the strategies that lead to successful event management, from logistics and infrastructure to community building and smart growth. This video dives deep into the intricacies of festival planning, offering insights into what makes festivals thrive and how you can apply these lessons to your events. Whether you're looking to start your own festival or improve an existing one, understanding the dynamics of different festival formats is crucial. Join us as we explore the elements that make festivals great and the smart strategies behind their growth. #FestivalPass #EventStrategy #FestivalPlanning #MusicFestival #EventSuccess

Culture. Structure. Infrastructure. (Time) Over the past week, social media has been buzzing about Ojude Oba, the cultural festival from Ijebu Ode. Pelu Awofeso's Facebook post, with an image from 2016, resonated with me. He writes: “NOW THAT EVERYONE HAS SEEN THE LIGHT — It's good to see everyone blown away by the magnificence of Ojude Oba, a festival I've covered at least three times (last in 2017). A year before, I tried to sell a tour. In one pitch to an editor, hoping for a commission, I described the festival thus: 'We can say authoritatively that Ojude Oba is one of Nigeria's must-see festivals. It features #fashion, #culture, #history, and #entertainment in equal measure. The horses' performances are a thrill in themselves.' It's all history now. But again, it's true what they say: whenever you wake up is your morning. Nigerians, I hope you're fully awake: abeg shower the world with steaze-upon-steaze going forward.” The post made me reflect on the power of time and timing. I only discovered Ojude Oba last year, thanks to Niyi Fagbemi’s content. Pelu’s post made me wonder what has changed between 2016 and 2024? Why are we paying more attention to the festival now? Social media, storytelling, and content creation play a big role in the festival's growing global reach. I wholeheartedly agree with Pelu’s point about “whenever you wake up is your morning,” and this has a lot to do with timing. Amid Nigeria’s current challenges, Ojude Oba was a much-needed colourful online distraction. The colours alone woke me up. The cultural display resonated with my pride and joy in Nigeria’s heritage. The kind of pride you have when doing what’s yours, and no one can take it from you because you alone know how to do it like that. Equally, having the right infrastructure to make this festival happen each year has contributed to its growing fame. The organisers have a winning structure for the festival. Participants, individually and corporately, understand their roles. This approach is applicable to Africa’s cultural soft power and our ability to sell it to the world. If we, the people, can buy into it, build it, then we can sell it. But first, we need to create the structure/infrastructure and be the first to take pride in it, and own it! For all things travel, culture, and festivals in Nigeria/Africa, Pelu Awofeso is your man. Hit him up. He is an OG in the field. #Culture #Africa #Nigeria #Fashion #CreativeEconomy #History #AfricanFestivals #AfricaSoftPower #Entertainment 📹: Korede Precious (@mckoreydey, Instagram)

Why festivals and special events matter now more than ever! Major Events 101, the first course launched by Trivandi Academy, explores the importance of festivals and special events amongst other topics in the introductory week 1 content. https://lnkd.in/dnPd32JV In an article published in Cultural Mega Events, Dr Beatriz Garcia, discusses why festivals and special events matter- even more in a post-pandemic world and how these gatherings do more than just entertain — they play a crucial role in strengthening community bonds, boosting local economies, and providing a platform for cultural expression. In your experience, how have festivals or special events impacted your community? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments below. 👇 To get more insights into the theory and practical application of major events, register now for Major Events 101, the first course launched by Trivandi Academy: https://lnkd.in/dSfK3j73 #TrivandiAcademy #MajorEvents101 #Events #Festivals #Community #CulturalEvents #EventManagement #learn

Clubbing culture can be a driver of economic development and cultural growth for a city as Berlin, where 50% of repeater tourists come back to the city for the vibrant nightlife. From today in Berlin with the partners of the URBACT network Cities After Dark for deep-diving into the local policies to support music venues and clubs, with a focus on the models of environmental and economic sustainability of venues which are contributing to urban regeneration and city vibrancy. Organized in collaboration with VibeLab, the study visit is a great opportunity for taking inspiration from the experience of night activists and cultural actors which are making night-time activities a decisive element of the Berlin's cultural offer. While the partners of Cities After Dark are undertaking the first steps towards the definition of their integrated action plans, the examples of Berlin are crucial for underlining the importance of active involvement of night stakeholders in co-defining ambitious, long-term thematic policies and test bold actions on the ground 24HourNation MTL 24/24 Clubcommission Berlin e.V. Musicboard Berlin German Association for Housing, Urban and Spatial Development

Three interesting reads out this week focusing on festivals - how one started, the importance of smaller independent festivals and the challenges the sector is facing right now. "According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), it is expected that the UK will see over 100 festivals disappear without intervention. In February, AIF launched a campaign asking for a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on festival tickets that it says would save many event promoters from closure." you can find out more about the campaign here: https://lnkd.in/esp46c_X The Fair launched Your Festival Needs You pre-season to celebrate the industry and to highlight the very real challenges the sector is facing - you can find more and how to support the campaign here: https://lnkd.in/e5UC2sU3 How one festival got started: https://lnkd.in/ehZUP_C8 The importance of smaller independent festivals: https://lnkd.in/edTmsVPu The challenges the sector is facing right now: https://lnkd.in/e_iFGKnV

We’re delighted to launch Festivals Forward today, the report featuring the results of our Festivals Mean Business sector-wide research. In the report, developed by BOP Consulting, we reflect on a sector that is ‘surviving rather than thriving’, but one that still has much to celebrate.  Some of the key findings include: ☑️ The 101 reporting festivals stage more than 11,000 events the length and breadth of the country. ☑️ They attract a total of more than five million attendances (ticketed and unticketed) to in-person events and more than 100,000 to online events. ☑️ Survey respondents engaged a total of 34,000 artists and ensembles in 2023, programming over 2,700 new works. ☑️ 86% of arts festivals deliver outreach work in schools and other community spaces, often year-round. We’ll be using this report as a vehicle to call for greater investment in arts festivals, supporting our members to go beyond survival and thrive in a challenging climate, in a way that explores and embeds sustainability, diversity and inclusivity. The Festivals Mean Business project has been supported by funding from Arts Council England, Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales and Creative Scotland. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e3he2ETG #BAFA2024

🐉 🛶 🌊 Today is one of the major festivals in Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival, or Duan Wu Jie. 🌊🛶 🐉 You may or may not know that the festival dates back over 2000 years. According to legend, people celebrate this day to honor the great poet Qu Yuan. Here is an interesting question I often get from my students, especially the youth I used to teach: So Qu Yuan jumped into the river and died. Why do people still love and honor him so much? Very good question, isn’t it? Here’s the thing: Qu Yuan’s death is rooted in his deep love for his country and his despair over its corruption and impending downfall. Despite his efforts to reform the government, he faced opposition from corrupt officials. His honest counsel was rejected, and he was eventually exiled by the king. Even in exile, he continued to care for his country and wrote some of his most famous works, expressing his sorrow and concern for his country’s future. When he learned that his country had been conquered, he felt that he could no longer serve his country. In profound despair, he jumped into the Miluo River and drowned himself. According to the legend, the local people who admired him raced out in their boats to search for his body and threw sticky rice dumplings into the river to distract fish from eating it. This tradition evolved into the Dragon Boat Festival, where dragon boat races are held, and Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are eaten to honor Qu Yuan’s memory. Understanding a bit of the history and political background of the hero, there are probably three simple reasons why Qu Yuan is celebrated: 1. Qu is celebrated for his deep love and loyalty to his country. 2. His literary contributions, particularly his poetry such as “Li Sao” (The Lament), are considered some of the greatest in Chinese literature. 2. Qu Yuan is seen as a symbol of integrity and righteousness. His refusal to compromise his values, even in the face of personal loss and exile, has made him a revered figure. Fun fact: a. It’s a 3-day public holiday in China since 2008 b. The festival is also a significant event in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries across the world, particularly in areas with large Chinese communities. Have you tried Zong zi (Sticky rice dumplings) before? Do you like it? 🤔 Happy Dragon Boat Festival! Duān wǔ jié kuài lè! 🐉 🎉 Ellie

Ever thought about how festivals can be a networking goldmine? We usually think of festivals as a time to relax, celebrate, or take a break from the daily grind. But have you ever considered the untapped potential they hold for building connections? Here’s why festivals could be your next big networking opportunity: • Shared Vibes: Festivals create an atmosphere where people are naturally more open and relaxed, which makes it easier to strike up meaningful conversations. • Diverse Crowd: From industry experts to like-minded professionals, festivals bring together a unique mix of people, offering a chance to network beyond your usual circle. • Memorable Moments: Connections made during festivals often stand out because they happen in a fun, engaging setting—making follow-ups feel more natural and enjoyable. Next time you’re at a festival, take a moment to spark up a conversation. You never know where it might lead! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow Sanya Malik for more such insights 💕 #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Festivals #Connection #Solutionvalley

With festivals and outdoor events in full swing, it is important to review what some of these big event organisers are doing to make them more eco-friendly. Take a look at a refresh of our findings: https://lnkd.in/e7ycYAiE

Last year 36 festivals cancelled in total. This year 28 Festivals have now cancelled, postponed or are making 2024 their last edition. We've not even made it to the end of March. High supply chain costs - which in some areas remain unpredictable - combined with lack of liquidity post pandemic - means many festivals cannot ride the bumps they used to be able to pre-pandemic. Until the supply chain settles (and that's a way off - they have their own complex problems to battle) the silver bullet solution is for the UK Govt to temporarily lower VAT on ticket sales from 20% to 5%. Every single festival at risk that we've surveyed confirms a VAT reduction would turn the dial from 'at risk' to 'not at risk'. Go to https://lnkd.in/djz-4qv5 to write to your MP and ask for action.