October 2011
The Brief
The Creative Industries are one of the fastest growing and increasingly important sectors in the Northern Ireland economy, employing over 9,500 and this figure is steadily rising. Not only does this sector play an important contribution to economic growth but also to the cultural development and heritage of the province. Over the last few years Northern Ireland companies have produced phenomenal productions including Game of Thrones and City of Ember as well as programmes such Sesame Tree, 4 Thought, Sunday Morning Live and The Beauty of Maps that have been broadcast throughout the UK and beyond.
The Event
Whilst embracing the creative industries as a whole, the Belfast Media Festival was aimed at professionals involved in broadcasting in Northern Ireland specifically the SMEs who make the programmes, provide the content or contribute to this industry including music, radio, digital production and design. The aim of the conference was to encourage debate and thinking on how the broadcasting landscape will change over the next ten years and how the development of new technology will affect skill requirements and career patterns.
A packed agenda included keynote presentations from leaders within the industry: Mark Thompson, Director General of the BBC; David Abraham, Chief Executive of Channel 4 Television and David Flynn, Remarkable Television and creator of “The Million Pound Drop” as well as comedian, actor and presenter Rob Brydon. This was complimented by a variety of workshops including speakers from local independent production companies who are thriving in this competitive industry. Additionally delegates were able to visit an exhibition, a variety of drop in clinics as well as viewing the new BBC Northern Ireland High Definition truck which was showcased to the public for the first time at this event.
The Result
There was an overwhelming interest for the Belfast Media Conference and over 300 delegates attended throughout the day. Morrow Communications led this project from the outset and managing the planning, co-ordination and implementation of all conference requirements including event identity and design, website management, venue management, set, staging and audio visual management, workshop registration and management and delegate management.
Morrow Communications are now in the initial planning stages for the Belfast Media Festival 2012!