Event: Promenade Future Producers Industry Day
Location: Sports Academy Building MTU Kerry, Tralee, V92 Y7PK
Date: Friday, 7th November
Time: 10:30am-1pm (Dúchas Comhaltas Centre, MTU Tralee, V92 Y7PK)
Lunch: 1-2pm (Lunch in Canteen)
Lecture: 2-4pm (Lecture Theatre W217, MTU Tralee)

Please see the Google Maps link here.

Join us on Friday 7th November in Tralee, Co. Kerry for a day of inspiration, conversation, and connection at the heart of the National Circus Festival. The Future Producers Industry Day will bring together emerging producers, international and Irish based delegates to share ideas, explore new perspectives and spark collaborations.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your network and knowledge, this event is a unique opportunity to:

• Hear from inspiring producers and creative leaders
• Gain insights from international and Irish based delegates
• Take part in engaging group discussions and provocations
• Connect informally with like-minded peers

Schedule – Dúchas Comhaltas Centre

10:30 – 11:00am – Registration & Refreshments
Start the day with a warm welcome, tea, and coffee as participants arrive and connect.

11:00 – 11:30am – Welcome
Welcome from Kath Gorman (Director of Promenade), Con Horgan (Artistic Director, National Circus Festival of Ireland) and Sarah Morey (Arts Officer, MTU).

11:30 – 1:00pm – Future Producers Sharing & Interactive Session
The Future Producers 2025 cohort will share short 5-minute provocations on key themes in producing: what they’ve learned, insights from the programme, and emerging considerations for producers. Following this, industry day delegates will join facilitated breakout groups to explore these themes and more in depth, with guidance and support from experienced mentors.

1:00 – 2:00pm – Lunch Break in the MTU Kerry Canteen

Schedule – Lecture Theatre W217

2:00 – 4:00pm – Inspiring Presentations
2:00 – 2:40pm – How to Get the Best Out of a Hired Show
Internationally acclaimed clown artist Gromic shares practical and insightful perspectives on how to maximise the impact and preserve the magic of a live performance, without compromising its artistic essence, in his talk “How to Get the Best Out of a Hired Show Without Ruining It?”

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Short break

Join a dynamic session featuring leading producers and artists as they share major project highlights, key lessons from their careers, and reflections on the evolving role of producers in the contemporary arts landscape.

The session includes a panel discussion chaired by MTU Arts Officer Sarah Morey, facilitating an engaging conversation between our speakers and the audience.

Panelists

Con Horgan
Artistic Director, National Circus Festival of Ireland Con will share insights about the National Circus Festival and practical tips for producers on how to approach a festival about a show they are producing.

Kevin Wratten
Global Streets Producer (Greenwich & Docklands International Festival) and Founder, Split Second Kevin will present Global Streets, a national network of partners that co-creates and presents international outdoor arts events with communities living and working in places which are underserved by the arts in the UK.

Jodie Adams
Senior Programmer, Underbelly Representing one of the UK’s leading live entertainment companies, Jodie will offer valuable insights for producers, emerging, experienced, and artist self-producers, on bringing a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Underbelly operates one of the largest Fringe programmes, running across 19 venues and four sites with 146 shows.

Tara Brandel
Choreographer, Director, and Contemporary Dancer, an award-winning artist from West Cork, Tara will give some examples of her multidisciplinary projects in dance, aerial, and contemporary performance.

4:00pm – 4:30pm Informal Networking & Wrap-Up
Conclude the day with space for informal conversation, reflection, and future connections.

This event is free to attend with limited spaces. Early registration is recommended. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on arrival from 10:30am and a FREE lunch 1pm-2pm to connect with peers and mentors.