The Conversation
The Conversation ist eine Reihe von persönlichen Einzelgesprächen mit führenden Persönlichkeiten aus der Veranstaltungsbranche, in denen die sich wandelnde Dynamik von Festivals und globalen Events untersucht wird. Neben persönlichen Erfahrungen und Erkenntnissen befassen wir uns auch mit Fehlern und deren Behebung, der Notwendigkeit von Strategien und dem Wert von Weitsicht, den Voraussetzungen für das Überleben, der Anpassung an den Wandel der Zeit, der Zukunft der Branche und den Möglichkeiten für Erfolg. Nehmt an The Conversation teil und helfe uns, unsere Zukunft zu gestalten.
(Präsentiert von Future of Festivals in Zusammenarbeit mit The SuperSwell)
Moderation
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Paul CheethamThe SuperSwell
Paul Cheetham
Paul Cheetham has more than 25 years of experience in the live music industry, working as a concert & festival promoter, venue booking manager, and event consultant for organisations such as the Mean Fiddler London, Live Nation Scandinavia, AEG Germany, Popkomm, and Reeperbahn Festival. Since 2020, Paul has produced the popular podcast, the SuperSwell which includes guests from the creative industries talking about their careers and state of the business they are in.
Speaker
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Dirk DreyerAnschutz Entertainment Group Operations GmbH
Dirk Dreyer
Dirk Dreyer is a passionate music enthusiast and an experienced General Manager with deep expertise in live entertainment, operations and sales & marketing.
With a solid background in the hotel and hospitality industry, as well as the record business, he is a true jack-of-all-trades.
Known for his exceptional networking skills, Dirk is a key figure in Berlin’s vibrant scene - connecting people and opportunities across industries.
After roles in the music industry with Bertelsmann Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music, he served as General Manager for hotel brands such as InterContinental Hotels Group, nhow Hotels, and 25hours Hotels.
Since 2020, Dirk has been responsible for the Uber Eats Music Hall, a 4,500-capacity concert venue, for the Anschutz Entertainment Group in Berlin. -
Ruth KolevaSofia Live Festival
Ruth Koleva
Ruth Koleva stands as an emblem of modern musical prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. Celebrated not only for her musical talents but also for her dedication to innovation and progress within the music industry, Koleva has received numerous accolades, including Grazia Magazine's Woman of the Year, Forbes 30 Under 30, and the Best Jazz Vocalist award at the JAJ Awards in Japan.
As the Head of Partnerships for Kanjian, China's largest independent music company, Ruth plays a pivotal role, bridging the gap for international entities aiming to establish themselves in the world's most expansive micro-market. Koleva's passion for her native Bulgaria and her drive to foster its music scene was evident when she launched Sofia Live Festival in 2019. This contemporary festival, spanning three days, showcases the confluence of innovation with a diverse range of artistic disciplines and genres. Its debut was met with overwhelming success, drawing an audience of over 8,000 attendees.
In 2022, Ruth further solidified her position within the Bulgarian music industry by joining the board of the Bulgarian Society for Neighboring Rights - PROPHON. The following year marked another milestone with the inception of the SoAlive music conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, which she founded and helms as CEO.
Beyond her notable professional achievements, Ruth is a dedicated advocate for equality and inclusivity. In 2013, she was among the pioneering performers to take the stage at Sofia Pride. Moreover, her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community extends to her role on the advisory board of the LGBTQ+ Single Step Foundation.
Adding to her rich portfolio, Ruth proudly serves as the president of ANMIP-BG (Association of Independent Music Publishers and Producers in Bulgaria) and board member of IMPALA, further elevating the voice of Bulgarian music on the international stage. Through her varied roles and constant endeavors, Koleva is shaping the future of music both in Bulgaria and worldwide.
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Tuomas KallioFullsteam Agency
Tuomas Kallio
I work as a Partnership Manager at Fullsteam Agency. Main areas of responsibility include festivals, major events and commercial partnerships with the Finnish artists we represent.