Tessitura Network's annual two-day conference is one of the largest gatherings of arts and cultural professionals in Europe. Becky Shepherd, application and support consultant at Tessitura Network gives us the lowdown on the 2019 edition at Birmingham Conference and Events Centre (BCEC) and Birmingham Hippodrome...
Tessitura Network is a not for profit membership owned company that powers the success of arts and cultural organisations around the globe. We enable and inspire arts and cultural organisations of all sizes to achieve their goals by providing continually innovated technology and comprehensive services that improve their efficiency and effectiveness, and by fostering learning, knowledge sharing and community collaboration between peers and organisations.
Becky ShepherdThe annual two-day conference is one of the largest gatherings of arts and cultural professionals in Europe. Over 450 attendees were users of Tessitura Network’s services, with network staff and sponsors taking the event to 500 delegates. Attendees have a wide range of experience and expertise all working in the arts, cultural and heritage sector – representing some of Europe’s most prestigious museums, galleries, theatres, performing arts centres, touring companies and more. Sponsors are a key part of making the event a success. Providing additional value to delegates and their organisations, these companies partner with Tessitura to provide a trusted ecosystem that enhances the solution on offer.
Organised by Tessitura Network and curated by the users of Tessitura’s software, content ranges from strategic issues facing the sector, leadership, ticketing, marketing, fundraising, to digital, finance, customer experience, data analytics and much more. Presenters include Tessitura Network staff, users of the software and sponsor-led sessions. All themes are created in collaboration led by a planning committee with a wide range of formats to share knowledge appropriately. Sessions included presentations, panel discussions, training, quickfire sessions and keynote speakers – all with opportunities for delegates to get involved and ask questions.
With such a large number of delegates travelling from all over Europe, we needed a central location with easy transport links, and venues with excellent reputations for conferencing and events. We also always try to collaborate with arts and cultural venues in our host cities, as their success is our mission. Birmingham Hippodrome was therefore an obvious first choice; a arts and cultural venue, a user of Tessitura’s software, and proven experience in delivering great events. The Hippodrome is known for presenting world-class productions, but it is also an independent charity with all surplus from commercial sales and events both on and off-stage being reinvested into its charitable work – Hippodrome Projects.
Given the sheer number of delegates and concurrent sessions, we knew we needed additional space, as well as close to accommodation. Birmingham Conference and Events Centre was the perfect partner, with just a couple of minutes’ walk between the venues. The collaboration of BCEC’s fully flexible and interconnecting conference space and Birmingham Hippodromes 1,800 seat auditorium, multi-level foyer and additional conference space was perfect for us. Both venues worked with us and together to ensure a seamless experience for our delegates, and using a theatre really emphasised the industry we work in.
Delegate-curated conversations
BCEC conference roomBirmingham Hippodrome theatre foyers were used to host the delegate-curated conversations which Tessitura Network introduces to their conference through the use of the Open Space concept. Beginning with an exciting agenda setting session with an ‘open circle’ everyone is invited to bring their own topic to the conference. They share their question, puzzle or challenge and select a timeslot to host their own conversation. The large foyer space gave the ability for over 30 conversations to be convened. Delegates are encouraged to move between conversations and the foyer was the perfect environment for many conversations hubs to take place in a free flowing space
BCEC provided lunch on both days and a light breakfast on day two – the key was great food covering many different dietary requirements, served efficiently with space for 500 attendees to eat and network. Birmingham Hippodrome was the venue for our evening networking – taking over the three floors of foyers, our delegates enjoyed exceptional bowl food, bar service, a photo booth, close up magician, musician and a DJ. The Hippodrome foyers were the perfect space, successfully allowing for quieter spaces for those who wanted to sit and discuss more about their learning, alongside a lively atmosphere for those letting their hair down after a busy day.
Speaker on stage in Birmingham Hippodrome auditoriumFeedback is incredibly important for us as a company including being able to feedback to the partners we work with. We need to learn what works and what doesn’t. Each year the conference is developed with the feedback from previous years in mind. Anecdotal conversations and observations combined with a post-event survey allow us to ensure the conference is relevant and well organised. Feedback has been great – on all aspects of the two days.
“It is the galvanising enthusiasm of this event and unparalleled community… that ensures that the Tessitura Europe Conference is such a special and relevant event for so many people and organisation.” – Tessitura Europe Conference 2019 attendee
The event itself, like the company, delivers on a not-for-profit basis. ROI is measured in full cost recovery, but most importantly through the growth and development of our users. The outcomes of the event are to introduce more people in our community to each other, to share best practice, learn new things and ultimately go back to their organisations with practical ideas that can enable them to grow and succeed individually, as organisations and as a sector.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
