Venues, Promoters & Events | ICAM S02E02
This is the second series of 'In Conversations & Masterclasses' (ICAM), our four-part podcast designed to ignite and elevate creative careers in the Creative Industries. The episodes feature a carefully curated lineup of GM based contributors and industry experts, who share their experiences, offer insight and wisdom for aspiring creatives.
Episode Two : Venues, Promoters & Events - with Baz - Plug One, Strutty, Tashadean Wood and Liv McCafferty
Strutty a not so recent import to Manchester has been part of the events industry for 15 years. From London, To Mexico, Across the USA and our very own Arndale. Strutty has worked with some of the biggest brands across some incredible (and not so incredible) backdrops. Now in Manchester, Strutty is a producer and go-go dancer for HOMOBLOC, supports queer welfare teams and works across iconic music focused events such as Glastonbury & Homoelectric. Strutty's passions are his new Puppy Matilda, upskilling QTIPOC humans with event skills to get them ready to work to diversify the industry from the bottom up.
Liv McCafferty Liv (they/them) has worked as a Creative Producer and Programmer in the arts since 2017. They started out making drag shows in nightclubs, fell in love with producing, and within a few years found themselves working as Public Programme Producer for the 2022 Turner Prize at the Tate Liverpool. With a focus on Live Arts, they now work at Opera North as Projects Producer, curating and producing artist commissions, residencies, site specific events and installations, live performances, talks, tours and talent development programmes. As a workaholic, in their spare time, they run more events - strictly queer and trans nightlife focused - and have curated and produced for nights including EAT ME (Liverpool), as well as Tranuary and Gay Shame (both Manchester).
Tashadean Wood Self-proclaimed professional raver and joint owner of Six-Trees event space with her partner in Trafford Park, Manchester. Six Trees is an oasis in the middle of Trafford Park housing a variety of events from local promoters of GM.
Baz- Plug One Baz, also known as BazThePlug, is a creative powerhouse specialising in the triple Ps—producing, presenting, and promoting. With experience working with major brands like Pepsi Max, PlayStation, Adidas and Nike, Baz has brought her expertise to the forefront of the industry. She has produced for the BBC's 1Xtra and 6 Music, presented on radio, and hosted events with flair
This episode covers:
1. Career Path and Inspirations Career Evolution and Influential Figures
2. Event Planning and Execution The process for planning a successful event, biggest challenges when planning or promoting events, and how to overcome them.
3. Venue Management How does managing or working at a venue differ from other roles in the events industry
4. Promotion and Marketing strategies that are most effective in promoting events, digital marketing and are there still benefits to traditional marketing methods? How to engage and retain an audience for recurring events
5. Industry Trends and Insights current trends in the events industry technology changing the landscape of event planning, venue management
6. Crisis Management and Problem-Solving Experiences of where something went wrong at an event, strategies for dealing with unexpected challenges, clear and effective communication with all stakeholders.
7. Work-Life Balance and Personal Insights How to manage the demanding nature of event work with a personal life and strategies to avoid burnout.
Executive Producer - Rebecca Swarray
Production Team - JC Monaghan, Warren Croft, Joe Saxton
Editor - Tom Quaye
Music - SCAPA