Each year, house invites marketers from venues across the network to apply for a bursary to support them to attend the Arts Marketing Association (AMA) conference. This year, three early-career arts-marketers joined Ellie in Brighton for the Be Bold, Be Brave conference, which took place from the 3^rd to the 5^th of July.

“The AMA outdid themselves this year at host venue Brighton Dome programming an inspiring two-day programme that gave us the chance to hear from other arts marketers and colleagues in the sector; to show up authentically and think about how we can be bold and brave in our work and selves.”

“A huge thanks to Carolyn, Bea and Emily and a special shout to Sarah from The Mill Arts Centre, Emilie at The Point, Eastleigh and Jon at Farnham Maltings for sharing ideas and making it so fun.” - Ellie, house Marketing Manager

We caught up with our three bursary recipients as they reflect on their experiences, conference highlights and share how they play to take new creative ways of working to their venues.

Carolyn Lawson, Marketing Coordinator
EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge

This was my first year attending the AMA Conference and I was looking forward to the programme, and the opportunity to hear experiences from so many different organisations.

Having the chance to spend the conference with the other House members was a gamechanger for me and eased any worries I may have had about attending alone. We could share our experiences and thoughts, attend some sessions together and having the opportunity to have dinner together was a great way to digest what we’d learnt from the conference.

The conference started strong with the first session, ‘Brave New Pricing’, hearing about ticket pricing strategies trialled by the Battersea Arts Centre and the Story Museum, backed up with detailed reflections on what worked and how these were implemented. A particular favourite session of mine was given by Jo Taylor of Rambert Ballet who spoke about their ‘Fan Plan’, how this treats their audiences as ‘fans’ and subsequently how this grew their audience beyond your typical dance crowd. Louise Cohen gave us great, practical strategies to take forward, including steps to create a digital content manifesto that works for your venue. Each of the keynotes I thoroughly enjoyed - they were well pitched, inspirational and incredibly interesting.

Looking back, the conference gave me the chance to soak up information I would not normally have had access to. It left me feeling energised, inspired and clearer on what my priorities are with my marketing strategy. From social media, print and using AI to benefit me, I’m looking forward to using the strategies I learned and seeing first-hand what the results are.

Emily Harlow, Marketing Manager
The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Havant

Hear about Emily's experience in her video round-up below.

Bea Maynard, Marketing Officer
Mercury Theatre, Colchester

Attending the AMA conference for the first time, I was initially quite nervous about going solo. However, Ellie from house welcomed me with such warmth that my experience turned into an absolute delight. She went out of her way to ensure that both I and the other house delegates felt supported and included. Connecting with Ellie, along with Carolyn and Emily, really elevated my entire experience.

From networking with other theatre marketers to attending a diverse range of insightful talks, the AMA conference exceeded all my expectations. Every session I attended offered valuable takeaways for my team, some of which we’ve already started implementing.

My standout session was "Did You Mean to Post That? Surviving and Thriving on Social Media in 2024" by Flo from the Young Vic. Her fresh perspective on taking calculated risks with social media strategy was both thought-provoking and practical, providing a new lens through which to approach our online presence.

I am deeply grateful to house for giving me the opportunity to attend this conference. Given our theatre's limited budget, it’s not often that we can afford to participate in such events. This bursary not only provided financial relief but also granted us invaluable insights that will have a lasting impact on our work.

The house AMA conference bursary is a staple of our annual venue training and professional development offer. The bursary gives arts marketers across our network the opportunity to connect with other people in a similar role, to share ideas, and be inspired by the diverse range of speakers and sessions at the conference.

We know the experience increases sector specific knowledge, and by taking new approaches confidently back into their venues and through sharing their experiences, we know that supporting members of our network to attend has a positive impact across the SE theatre sector.