Conference 24: Making Theatres Thrive
Theatres Trust Conference returns in 2024 with an exciting change of venue and more opportunities for networking and discussion.
We are delighted that The Lowry in Salford will host the main day of the conference on Tuesday 8 October. We will bring together a mix of inspiring speakers and case studies, to help us understand what we all can do to make sure our theatres thrive.
This will be followed by an optional half-day on Wednesday 9 October, where delegates will have the opportunity to spend a morning touring some of Manchester’s most distinctive theatre venues.
Conference theme
What do we need to do to ensure our theatres not only survive but thrive? Faced with the unprecedented challenges of post-covid recovery, the cost of living and public funding crises, how can we adapt and change our theatres and how we run them so they can be more resilient and able to withstand these shocks?
Do we need to develop more flexible business and operating models and what would these look like? How do we ensure theatres lead the way in reducing global warming and can adapt to climate impacts? How can we reassert theatres’ placemaking role, making our villages, towns and cities great places to live? And what does that mean for how our theatres are designed, maintained, adapted and run?
Further details of sessions and speakers will be posted here soon. Follow #ThrivingTheatres for updates.
Book your tickets now via our Ticketing Partner Quay Tickets.
Theatre tours - Wednesday 9 October
We have added an exciting optional second half day to the main conference programme. For an additional £50 + VAT, you can join colleagues on a backstage tour of some of Manchester's varied and fascinating theatres. Please select your choice of tour when you make your booking:
- Tour 1: Aviva Studios, HOME and Contact Theatre
- Tour 2: Palace Theatre, Royal Exchange Theatre and Aviva Studios
Tours finish by 1.30pm. Mid-morning tea and coffee will be provided.
Discounted tickets
Theatres Trust Corporate Supporters, Friends and Patrons and members of promotional partner organisations can benefit from a saving of £25 on the full price ticket.
The following organisations are Conference 24 promotional partners: Association of British Theatre Technicians, Community Leisure UK, Creu Cymru, Federation of Scottish Theatre, Independent Theatre Council, Society of London Theatre / UK Theatre, Theatre and Dance NI.
Look out for discount codes in your membership newsletter or if you are a Theatres Trust supporter, contact us for your code.
Book your tickets now via our Ticketing Partner Quay Tickets.
Future Leaders initiative
As part of Theatres Trust’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are delighted to introduce the Future Leaders initiative, enabling the next generation of theatre sector leaders to be part of the Conference 24 conversations, supported by their senior colleague. Recognising that budgets don’t always allow for more junior staff to attend conferences, we are offering a second place at half price when booked alongside a full price conference place.
What do we mean by future leaders? This could be anyone in your organisation who is not part of your senior leadership team – perhaps a senior technician, front-of-house manager or a junior associate, trainee or apprentice. They may be an early career professional, someone who has just joined your organisation or someone new to the sector. What is most important is that it should be someone who is interested in the conference’s focus on theatre buildings.
Bursary scheme
Thanks to the support of Avison Young, we are pleased to offer free places and a contribution towards travel expenses to students, freelancers and small theatres. Find out more about the bursary scheme.
Accommodation
Marketing Manchester is the official accommodation provider for the conference. Book your accommodation online now.
Thanks to our sponsors
Conference 24 is only possible thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners. Read more about this year's sponsors.
There are still opportunities available to support Conference 24. Find out more about the opportunities available.