The co-founder of VIVID Sydney said nurturing experiences that sculpt the cultural heartbeat of Australia should be at the forefront of designing events.

Delivering a keynote speech at the Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC), AGB Events CEO, Anthony Bastic AM, said by embracing innovation and inclusivity, we contribute to a cultural shift that ripples through our society.

“By engaging artists, creators and the community, we transform spaces into dynamic platforms for innovation and we blur the lines between observer and participant,” he said.

“As we activate these spaces, we recognise the potential to ignite positive change.”

Mr Bastic highlighted the evolution of VIVID from a light festival aimed at encouraging consumers to phase out the use of inefficient light globes to an international cultural event attended by hundreds of thousands of people. 

“Challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and create transformative experiences,” he said.

“Events must evolve beyond conventions to create contemporary and authentic experiences that reflect the diversity of modern Australia.”

The third edition of AFIC was held in Sydney at the end of August and is dedicated to servicing the thousands of festival industry professionals who produce quality music, arts and culture, food and drink and sporting festivals.

Delegates represented a range of private and not-for-profit festival organisers, as well as all tiers of government, consultancy service providers, educational institutions and operational suppliers.

AFIC Founder and Event Director, Carlina Ericson, said the feedback throughout the conference was overwhelmingly positive.

“I was inundated with people expressing what a wonderful event it was and the abundance of networking opportunities AFIC provided,” she said.

AFIC’s program of speakers included some of the country’s top festival management personnel who discussed topics such as sustainability, accessibility and advances in crowd science.