Recently we blogged about our next upcoming mini event called ConfShop. We’ll be opening up tickets next week but before we do that we wanted to tell you a bit more about it and why we think it’s different.
The back story
We’re big fans of conferences — both Elliot and I attend a wide range each year. The one-to-many format is tried and tested and it’s always good to meet new people and hear from those at the forefront of our industry.
However, we often find that the really valuable conversations are had off-stage, in the bar, at the after party, and over hangover-curing breakfast ‘meetings’. We believe we need more of these conversations! If you agree you’ll definitely want to join us in London UK on Friday 5th July.
Putting you centre stage
Unlike traditional conferences, at Insites: ConfShop we want to put everyone centre stage. There’s no speakers to entice you along, no tracks to choose from and certainly no “them and us”.
As we said before our Insites projects (The Tour, The Book, Xmas Special) are all about sharing stories, being open, and learning from each other — and ConfShop is certainly no different in that respect.
We want to hear your stories, your experiences, and your ideas. Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned professional we encourage you to join us.
Let’s learn from each other, tackle the difficult issues affecting our businesses, discuss the problems we all share, and above all celebrate the industry we all love and work in. There’s been far too much negativity of late and it’s time to embrace our community and our craft in a positive and affirmative way.
The format
Insites: ConfShop will focus around four groups, each containing around 25 people. During the day your group will discuss a number of loosely-themed topics (subject to change):
- Client work and products (how can we move from client focussed businesses to product focussed companies)
- Business issues (VAT, tax, accounting, pitching, contracts, finding work and beyond)
- Side projects (how to find the time and create income streams)
- Working in the industry (work/life balance, keeping up, learning and more)
For each topic, one of our carefully-chosen group ‘curators’ (who we’ll announce soon) will keep things on track and ensure every voice is heard. After you’ve attended all four group sessions we’ll convene en-masse to round up the big themes of the day.
We are also planning some “show and tell” sessions (it’s just like going back to school) so if you have something you’d like to share with everyone let us know. We have a few other fun things planned – you won’t be disappointed.
The venue
We’ve managed to bag an amazing space for the day. The search wasn’t easy as we need four independent rooms, one for each group. Altitude 360 provides all we need as well as amazing views across the capital. Food and drink will be provided so we can maximise the time we have.
What’s with the name?
We always envisaged the event to be half way between a conference and a workshop. ConfShop sounded better than WorkFrence so it became our beta name for the project. We grew to love it and so we stuck with it!
Tickets
ConfShop is going to be an intimate affair: only 110 spaces will be available. Tickets will cost £125 + VAT and as mentioned this will include refreshments throughout the day and lunch.
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about it or keep an eye on Twitter next week. We both hope to see you there.