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

People, places and purpose are at the heart of our theatres. This year’s conference looks at how they are enablers in Making Theatres Thrive.

As we emerge post-pandemic into new social, economic, environmental contexts and reimagined places, we need to re-examine how theatres can reinforce their role in placemaking, contributing to vibrant and liveable communities and creating a resilient future for all. We will look at cultural placemaking with senior local government officials who develop the big picture and theatres will share how they are playing a more central civic as well as cultural role.

The conference recognises the dynamics and nuances at play in the shifting contexts in which theatres operate. It will showcase alternative and flexible business and operating models and what this might practically mean for resilience for theatres large and small. There will be an opportunity to learn about the latest developments with Theatre Green Book and to share best practice in addressing net zero and the climate emergency. 

Embedding design for resilience in the ever-popular Capital Lightning Round will allow delegates to delve into recent and current theatre capital projects which aim to drive their theatres beyond mere resilience towards positive transformation. Everyone knows how challenging capital projects are and we will also discuss the difficulties of some recent theatre capital projects and explore insights into how to manage these effectively.

We finish with inspiring stories of how theatres can gain strength from adversity, creating cultural, social, economic and environmental impact, so they don’t just survive, they thrive.

See the full programme and the speakers confirmed so far.

Follow #ThrivingTheatres on social media 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 supporters 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 places

Thanks to the support of Avison Young, Delfont Mackintosh and Theatreplan, we are pleased to offer free places and a contribution towards travel expenses to widen participation in the conference. Find out more about the bursary scheme. 

Theatres Trust is offering a bursary in memory of our colleague Ruth Eastwood. Find out more about this opportunity.

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.

Inclusion and sustainability

Theatres Trust is committed to ensuring that diverse voices and experiences of the UK theatre sector are reflected in its conference programme, speakers and delegates. Read more in the Conference 24 Inclusion Statement. 

In line with our Environmental Principles, we have endeavoured to make Conference 24 as environmentally responsible as possible within the limitations of hosting a conference. Read more in the Conference 24 Sustainability Statement.