The theme of the day is entrepreneurship and new business models in the cultural industries. Rachel McKnight and Stephen Farnan are among the craft businesses that will be presenting at the event.

The first half of the day will include presentations from exciting startup companies and entrepreneurs that are breaking new ground and experimenting with new ideas in everything from cultural tourism to events and digital media to cultural retail. This will be followed in the afternoon with presentations and ‘hands on’ workshops featuring established organisations that are taking innovative approaches, introducing new technologies and developing new business models in everything from museums to festivals.

Some of the key speakers appearing at SHOWCASE include: CultureLabel.com co-founder Simon Cronshaw; Edinburgh Festivals Innovation Lab's lead producer Rohan Gunatillake; Dumbworld Productions founder Brian Irvine; Arts and Business commerical director Natalie Melton.

The event will also have project presentations from ReFound Online - Jill O'Neill, No Score Draw, Kabosh Theatre Company and Design Zoo . Workshops on the City of Culture 2013 bid and crowdfunding ideas will be presented by the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture Team and Business to Arts.

As David Lewis, director of Culture Northern Ireland, explained: 'Cultural organisations are having to adopt increasingly creative approaches to survive in today’s tough economic climate.The conference will bring together exciting examples of innovation, from the theatre company generating income from tourist trails to app makers selling cultural product. Our aim is to encourage new collaborations and to look at new ways organisations can generate revenues.'

The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy and in the UK the sector contributes a greater proportion of GDP than any other nation. Around 36,000 people in Northern Ireland are employed in the creative industries or in creative occupations.

Attendance is free but places are limited.
Register your attendance.