Theatre Conference

Image is of the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre. The building is 70s brutalist in design and there is a bright yellow concrete staircase on the left

Monday 3rd June 2024

9:30am – 7:30pm (including drinks reception)

Bringing theatre professionals together to discuss pressing topics and to explore solutions that will shape and sustain the sector

The Theatre Conference is the UK’s premier event created for the industry, by the industry. An opportunity for Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre members to come together face-to-face to shape the future of theatre at London’s iconic Southbank Centre.

The programme, designed with and for SOLT & UK Theatre members, included compelling keynote speeches and panel discussions covering key topics that profoundly impact our industry, including business growth, sustainability and people management.

Networking opportunities throughout the day complemented the panels and presentations, allowing members to continue the session conversations and collaborate to find solutions.

The Marketplace, open all day, allowed delegates to meet the companies offering tools and technology to innovate the work that you do.

Tickets

We had a range of ticketing options for this year’s conference:

  • 100 earlybird tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis to SOLT & UK Theatre members only.

  • SOLT & UK Theatre member tickets are available to all members and member organisation employees

  • Non-member tickets are available to those who are not members of SOLT, UK Theatre or our industry partners listed below.

  • Industry Partner Ticket: A discounted industry rate ticket is also available to members of the following industry partners: ABO / ABTT / ITC / LIP / FST

  • 50 Early Career / First Timer tickets are available to members (SOLT members or UK Theatre Organisation members only) who would like to bring a junior member of the team or a team member who has not attended before, but perhaps don’t have the budget to send them as well as the senior team who usually attend. Members who have already booked their own ticket at the full or earlybird rate can purchase one ticket (per member / member organisation) for these staff , at the heavily discounted rate of £80. To apply, email members@soltukt.co.uk with your order confirmation number, and you will be provided with a link to book a ticket at this discounted rate.

  • Concession tickets are discounted tickets for those who are self-employed and learning less than £20,000 per year, OR have less than two years experience in the theatre industry and are not currently in full-time employment

  • Bridge The Gap tickets: a limited number of discounted tickets are available to Bridge The Gap alumni. Those who wish to purchase a ticket under this rate should contact Stage One at enquiries@stageone.uk.com to receive an exclusive link to book.
  • Press tickets: At the request of members and to encourage an open dialogue, the conference sessions are held under the Chatham House Rule (meaning you may share the information you receive, but not reveal the identity of who said it). However, the keynote speeches are not held under the Chatham House Rule. There will be a limited number of press tickets available; please email pressenquiries@soltukt.co.uk to apply for a press ticket

Programme and Timings

Doors open: 9:30am

9:30-11:00amRegistration and breakfast networking
9:45-10:30amOptional speed networking
10:00-11:00amOptional drop in: SOLT & UK Theatre’s Audience & Commercial Team
11:00-11:10amWelcome
11:10-11:40amOpening keynote: Lewis Iwu
11:50-12:40pmSession 1: Influencing stakeholders in a general election year
Session 2: Practical ways to tackle skills shortages
12:40-1:40pmLunch, sponsored by Charcoal Blue, and networking
Optional drop in: SOLT & UK Theatre’s Membership Team
Optional drop in: continue the conversation – discuss sessions 1 & 2
1:40-2:30pmSession 3: Balancing the demands of theatre with workforce wellbeing
Session 4: Sustainability as a commercial imperative
2:40-3:30pmSession 5: Collaborating on commercial touring
Session 6: Dealing effectively with unwanted behaviour in the cultural sector
Optional drop in: continue the conversation – discuss sessions 3 & 4
3:30-4:00pmTea break and networking
Optional drop in: SOLT & UK Theatre’s Policy, Research & Advocacy Team
Optional drop in: continue the conversation – discuss sessions 5 & 6
4:00-4:50pmSession 7: Understanding new rules on Theatre Tax Relief and how to make a successful claim
Session 8: All In: a new UK-wide access scheme for audiences
5:00-5:30pmClosing keynote: launch of the Theatre Green Book version 2
5:30-5:40pmClosing comments and thanks
5:40-7:30pmDrinks reception
Optional drop in: continue the conversation – discuss sessions 7 & 8

At the request of members and to encourage an open dialogue, the conference sessions are held under the Chatham House Rule (meaning you may share the information you receive, but not reveal the identity of who said it). However, the keynote speeches are not held under the Chatham House Rule.

Our Member Lounge is a dedicated space for members to network throughout the day. Members were welcome to use this space during sessions and breaks to do business and catch up with colleagues.

Meet the team: Our Audiences and Commercial Team, Membership Team, and Policy, Research and Advocacy Team held drop-in sessions throughout the day to answer your queries and offer you support.

Speed networking: Due to popular demand, this year we trialled speed networking for those who wanted to participate. This was facilitated, and provided an opportunity to meet your peers and start those all-important conversations to kick off the day. Please use the form below to express your interest in joining the session, and let us know the types of people you would like to meet. Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be matched with those you specify, completing the form will help us create a useful session for all.

Expression of interest form

Please only complete this form once you have booked a ticket. If you are unsure if you are booked to attend, please email members@soltukt.co.uk.

The Theatre Conference 2024 took place at The Southbank Centre.

Attendees who require a Carer or Personal Assistant to accompany them can book a free Carer ticket by emailing members@soltukt.co.uk

Accessibility at The Southbank Centre:

  • The two main conference rooms in use are the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.
  • The venue is wheelchair accessible. Download step free access map and directions for Southbank Centre here.
  • BSL interpreters will be attending each session.
  • Hearing loops are available upon request at the registration desk.
  • Captions will be available for each session.
  • A quiet room/space is available in Dressing Room 9.
  • The Artists Bar, equipped with a microwave and sink, is available to those who are breastfeeding / expressing.
  • Access map and floor plan of venue
  • Queen Elizabeth Hall assisted hearing plan
  • Further accessibility information available from The Southbank Centre

If you have any further accessibility requirements or questions regarding accessibility at the conference, please contact us at members@soltukt.co.uk

Delegate travel is the biggest contributor to the carbon emissions involved with the Theatre Conference. We would therefore encourage all attendees to offset their carbon footprint. 

A carbon offset is a way to compensate for your emissions by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere. 

We encourage all attendees to calculate and offset your carbon footprint from travelling to the conference by using this carbon calculator. This supports international projects and sustainable development worldwide. 

Thank you to our Theatre Conference partners, Spektrix, TickX, Tessitura, Haysmacintyre, Tysers LIVE and Ecclesiastical

Thank you to our breakfast sponsor, Theatre Tokens and our lunch sponsor, Charcoal Blue

We’ll have a wide range of exciting exhibitors for you to visit in our marketplace. Exhibitors include:

  • All In
  • DynamO Pricing
  • Easy-connect
  • John Good
  • KX Tickets
  • Line-Up
  • Made Media
  • Nimbus Disability
  • PointOne
  • Quay Tickets
  • Secure My Booking
  • Segue
  • Spektrix
  • Staff Savvy
  • Tessitura
  • Tevalis
  • Theatre Digs Booker
  • Theatre Tokens
  • Theatre Workout
  • Ticketplan
  • Ticketsolve
  • Tixly
  • TLS Boca Systems
  • TRG Arts
  • Tysers LIVE and Ecclesiastical
  • VisitOne
  • Viva Ticket