Future of Festivals - Der Podcast

Festivals are creative spaces, but stage construction consumes enormous resources. With growing pressure to act sustainably, new approaches are needed. Materials like bamboo have already been used at festivals such as Mysteryland, but long-term strategies for reuse and energy efficiency are still rare. Can photovoltaic stage roofs supply power in the future? How can modular systems be designed to make both environmental and economic sense? What influence can architects like Michael Kelm from kpm3 have on more sustainable planning? This panel discusses how circular thinking, smart materials and renewable energy can shape the future of event infrastructure. Architect Michael Kelm shares how sustainability can be built in from the start, not only in stages but also in expos and brand environments. Alex Prideaux from Special Structures brings insights into scalable structural innovations. Bob van de Pol from Masters of Bamboo adds practical experiences with bamboo construction in the festival context. Moderation: Antje Osterburg Speaker: Michael Mikel Kelm (kpm3) Alex Prideaux (Special Structures Lab) Bob van de Pol (Masters of Bamboo B.V.)

Two dynamic global cities, two distinct approaches to festival culture, yet a shared vision: transforming urban spaces into vibrant cultural and economic hubs through innovative festival strategies. Dubai and Berlin have become international beacons for event-driven tourism and cultural experience but how do these two metropolises shape their festival ecosystems differently, and what can they learn from one another? In this dynamic Firechat, we explore the future of festivals through the strategic lenses of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism and Berlin's economic development and innovation landscape. Together, our speakers will discuss how festivals drive tourism growth, create economic resilience, foster international partnerships, and position their cities as premier global destinations. Moderation: Stine Nehrmann Speaker: Suhaila Ghubash (Dubai Economy and Tourism Department) Manuel Wrobel (visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office)

When festivals become an integral part of holiday planning, they generate a strong boost for regional economies. This panel explores the intersection of tourism and festival attendance – for example, a two-week summer vacation in the sun combined with a music festival. What effects does this have on local businesses, accommodations, gastronomy, and transport providers? How do service providers from across Europe contribute to the efficient implementation of temporary festival infrastructure – from travel to accommodation? And how can organizers bring festival formats to new regions and inspire their loyal communities to follow? Moderation: Mia Heresch Speaker: Oszkó-Jakab Natália (Valley of Arts Festival, Hungary) Benjamin Besselsen (Liffin) Greta Hoffmann (ICS / Wacken)

Festivals act as cultural anchors, economic drivers, and social gathering spaces – but rising costs are putting increasing pressure on their financial sustainability. While EU programs like Creative Europe promote cultural funding across Europe, national initiatives like Initiative Musik (Germany) provide targeted support. What structures are needed to develop long-term, forward-thinking funding models for festivals? This panel explores the key factors that contribute to successful festival funding, the strategic planning and political decisions required, and how decision-makers can be urged to secure festivals as an essential part of cultural heritage. Moderation: Pamela Owusu Brenyah (Musicboard Berlin) Speaker: John Rostron (Association of Independent Festivals) Anna van Nunen (ESNS) Tatjana Kaube (Initiative Musik gGmbH)