Joensuu’s Ilosaarirock Summit

The team behind Finland’s Ilosaarirock Festival is organising a special two-part summit to discuss the country’s live music business and how it impacts the European outdoor season.

The July 11 seminar, which is on the opening day of the 22,000-capacity festival, will discuss what managers see as the most important factors when a tour is being planned – or whether money is the only consideration – and how festivals should market themselves.

Ilosaarirock press officer Susanna Helander says the short conference, which is at Joensuu Science Park, is a taster to see if the Finnish live business responds to the idea of having a regular get-together.

The confirmed panelists include U.K.-based business and management consultant Stuart Worthington, Andy Farrow from the U.K.’s Northern Music, and Elliot Rashman, who has managed Simply Red and Happy Mondays.

Juha Kyyrö, president of Finland’s Fullsteam Agency, and Ilosaarirock’s Rysky Riiheläinen will be making sure the locals can get a word in edgewise.

The acts on the July 11-13 festival bill include Mogwai, Kashmir. Ozric Tentacles, Comeback Kid and Nightwish.