Benjamin Röber-Rathay’s Post

📌 #SaveTheDate The European Festivals Association, Stiftung Zukunft Berlin and A Soul for Europe are glad to announce that the Berlin Conference will take place on 7 and 8 November at the Allianz Forum, right next to the iconic Brandenburg Gate! EFA, along with festivals and festival cities and regions, will once again be key contributors. Since 2004, this conference has brought together a diverse spectrum of individuals from the arts to politics, providing a platform for collective discussion and action towards a cultural Europe. Reflecting on the words of then newly appointed President of the European Commission, José-Manuel Barroso, “The questions of what Europe can do for culture, and what culture can do for Europe, are not new. But in this context they have acquired a new sense of urgency […] What is needed now is sustainability of action – the translation of good intentions into good decisions.” Detailed information about the programme and registration links will follow soon. If you have any questions, please send an email to info@efa-aef.eu.

Lily Paskin and I are looking for our next event partners 👀 : On 30th Jan 2025 we’ll be hosting the 8th annual showcase of something special. It's something that continues to grow year on year, and seeks to arm us all with the business case for investing in creativity. If this sounds like a bit of you, I’d love to chat. When I started at LBBonline - Little Black Book, I was covering PR for businesses across the industry and across the world. Over the course of 6 - 8 years I realised I’d helped (at some stage) communicate the USPs for every major award show in the UK (inc British Arrows, Creative Circle, UKCF, The Caples and more) as well as a number of the big globals (inc Cannes, The One Show & LIA) and during my time at LBB we have covered the news and attended pretty much every other major show across the world. Whilst I still love and support so many of these award shows, I can say with confidence that what Matt Cooper and Paul Monan have created with The Immortal Awards is something truly different to them all. As Lily and I step in to help grow the event side of the Immortal Awards with Paul, I see HUGE opportunity for any partner companies to support something the industry has been asking for for YEARS. Something that gives back to the creative community and strengthens the pitch we all have to make every day - that creativity really sells. So, how does it do this? There’s no hefty entry fees, no confusing categories, it's judged physically in its local market with local judges before it hits the global jury and it gives all entrants a COMPLETELY level playing field. Most importantly, it's hard to win and sets an incredibly high bar for creativity. Once the bar is set, we share its findings and the work in person at any business that wants to see it - completely free. It all comes back to education. Each year, we see more entries, higher quality work, and submissions from more countries, building an unmatched pool of data and insights on global creativity. I’m looking for companies who want to kick-start their 2025; companies who want to boost their profile, connect with the right people and inspire our industry -- all in one room. Wanna chat ? Contact me on phoebe@lbbonline.com for more information on sponsorship opportunities and partnerships for the London Showcase (event info below) https://lnkd.in/eyZC-hHg

As Autumn sets, I have been reflecting on summer and particularly the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As a resident I have to admit it, I don’t like the Fringe. The city comes to a standstill, you can’t get anything done or go anywhere and there are just people everywhere. But, as a businessman, I cannot deny how much money the Fringe brings into the Scottish economy. The Edinburgh Fringe is the biggest arts and cultural event in the world. After the Olympics and Football World Cup, it is the third highest ticketed event in the world. So, it’s not going anywhere. And why should it? There has been a big drive to reduce access to the Fringe recently, remove investment and make it smaller. But Fringe showcases Scotland to the world. Why would we try and slow down the one month that has more impact on the city than all the other months combined - every single year? If anything, we need to be investing more into it. It needs better management, I think everyone can agree with that. There needs to be a way to allow for sustainable growth and a correct distribution of profits from the festival. But it can’t end. Fringe needs to be allowed to flourish, so Edinburgh can continue to flourish.

Berlin’s Famous Club Scene Faces the End of the Party The closing of renowned clubs Watergate and Renate spells trouble for the city’s nightlife. The techno scene owes its existence to an historical anomaly. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, there were heaps of abandoned spaces for clubbing to flourish and property was astonishingly cheap. Situated in an un-renovated, labyrinthine apartment block in the east of the city, Renate blamed its decision to close next year on rising rents and its landlord’s wish to repurpose the club’s enticing garden for new construction. Watergate’s explanation for ending its 22-year run was both more nuanced and concerning. Along with rising rent, wage and energy costs at its prime waterside location, its management pointed to shifts in the relevance of Berlin club culture for international DJs and young people: “The days when Berlin was flooded with club-loving visitors are over, at least for now, and the scene is fighting for survival.” Two-thirds of clubs rated their business prospects over the next couple of years as “bad” or “very bad,” according to a recent survey, and their revenue this year has declined by around 10% on average compared with 2023. Berlin’s nightclubs are faring better than those in the UK, where about three-quarters of venues have shut since 2005.

Parramatta's evolution has been pretty remarkable in the last decade - much of it to do with public sector (NSW Government/state and council/City of Parramatta) strategic thinking, imagination and investment, to which the private sector and indeed the university sector (Western Sydney University) have responded. I think the Committee for Sydney helped too. Recently, I was asked by the council and my colleagues in Astrolabe Group to provide expert input to the new Parramatta 2050 strategy. Here's some highlights from this excellent document:- 'Western Sydney’s job engine creating an additional 150,000 jobs; An epicentre of creativity, building on the reimagined Riverside Theatres and Powerhouse Parramatta with a new world-renowned contemporary art gallery, live music venues and enhancing Parramatta’s night-time economy; The home of festivals, sports and entertainment including the E-sports capital of Australia with a multi-purpose indoor arena and making Parramatta the home base of national sporting teams; A world leader in First Nations partnerships; The most globally connected university city in the nation with a new university campus at Westmead; and An unrivalled River City with a continuous green corridor between Lake Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park. The vision identifies potential for five globally relevant districts across the City – each with their own distinct identity and jobs focus and linked by the Parramatta River and improved transport connections including the Metro. It includes: a Health and Innovation District in Westmead and North Parramatta that’s a world leader in medical research, technology and well-being; a Headquarters District in the CBD that is home to some of the world’s biggest businesses and key government departments; a Model City District around Camellia and Rosehill that sets the standard for green jobs, green infrastructure and regeneration; a Future Jobs District in Silverwater that will be a hub for new industries; and a Celebration District at Sydney Olympic Park where people gather for major sporting and cultural events'. Pretty good, eh. Gail Connolly PSM Michael Janeke Rose Jimenez

The live event professionals in concerts and tradeshows are unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure seamless experiences for attendees. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave, embodying dedication and passion without seeking recognition. These events wouldn't be possible without their hard work. A special shoutout to the labor team at Genesis Exhibits and our team at the Outpost in the Burbs for their exceptional work in making trade show exhibits and live performances shine. Their professionalism and dedication elevate the audience's enjoyment and the success of each event. Mishaps are inevitable in live events, but proper planning and solutions are key. I recommend reading "What to Do When Things Go Wrong: A Five-Step Guide to Planning for and Surviving the Inevitable―And Coming Out Ahead" by Frank Supovitz, a valuable resource to navigate unexpected challenges. Partnering with reliable professionals is crucial for the success of trade show exhibits and concerts. These experts ensure that everything runs smoothly, often resolving issues seamlessly in the background. Kudos to all the dedicated individuals who make unforgettable events possible! #EventProfessionals #LiveEvents #TradeShows #Concerts #EventPlanning

Thinking Outside the Book   Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festival of Creativity— a four-day celebration of art, Fringe performances, literature, the iconic Tattoo, and more. Eight spectacular Edinburgh events proudly serve up the most incredible smorgasbord of culture you could ever imagine, filling the city's performance venues, event spaces.  Every August, Edinburgh becomes a hub of provocative mind-play, showcasing boundless imagination and the profound value of art in all its forms. The festival's roots trace back to 1947, when it was first held to celebrate peace after World War II, offering residents a chance to look forward and embrace creativity. It's so much important for the nowadays!   This spirit of creativity — developing new ideas and sharing imagination without fear or doubt—holds lessons for many corporations. By embracing this mindset, companies can unlock hidden talents within their teams and combat inertia. In today's VUCA world, channeling resources in this direction can significantly elevate a company's X-factor, positioning it for strong leadership in the long term perspective. https://lnkd.in/eZgCzHfz #creativity

More to come

The capital of Europe, at least with regards to the institutions. A city that a priori appears boring and gray, however, Brussels is one of the most culturally and socially diverse cities in Europe. A box of surprises where it is possible to travel (within the same city) through Africa, Asia, Europe, America... The city that offers many options and of very high quality. 

#DYK that today is Event Organizers Day Modern-day events, from the smallest party to the grandest festival, often unfold seamlessly, up to perfection. Behind the scenes of these memorable moments are the event organizers, the unsung heroes who make it all happen. On October 23, we tip our hats to these magicians planning on Event Organizers Day. This day isn’t just marked on the calendar; it’s a celebration of tireless dedication, creativity, and the knack for turning visions into reality. #EventOrganizersDay #EventPlanning #EventProfs #BehindTheScenes #EventManagement #EventCreators #EventProfessionals #CelebrateEvents #EventSuccess #EventIndustry