Community & Culture
IW Creative Industries Conference 2.0
IW Creative Industries Conference 2.0
Tuesday 24 March 2026, 9.30am-3.30pm
Inperson at Building 41, Cowes & Livestreamed via YouTube
FREE for IWCN members
The IW Creative Industries Conference returns for its second edition – an event designed to empower the Island’s creative professionals to move forward with clarity, focus, and purpose.
Following the success of our first-ever IW Creative Industries Conference in 2024, which brought together over 80 creatives, funders and sector leaders, this year’s IW Creative Industries Conference focuses on ‘Future Making – Creativity with Purpose’.
This one-day gathering will bring together freelancers, creative businesses, and organisations to:
Featuring Keynote & Workshop:
Zoie Golding MBE
A nationally celebrated cultural leader, choreographer and founder of ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, Zoie will provide an energising keynote on creative courage, leadership and direction. She’ll then lead a hands-on Goal Mapping workshop designed to help participants build clarity and focus for their year ahead.
With 25+ years leading teams across the cultural, public, and global events sectors, Zoie is known for transforming bold ideas into high-impact experiences that connect communities and drive social change.
“Leading creatively means trusting the unknown, turning failure into inspiration, and using imagination to shape experiences that others thought impossible.” – Zoie Golding MBE
What to expect:
The conference will also spotlight practical routes for turning creative work into sustainable business activity. The Federation of Small Businesses, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, and the Rebel Business School will explore how creatives can move beyond start-up support, build confidence as businesses, and access the networks, advice and opportunities that support long-term resilience.
Drawing on regional expertise, local delivery and real-world experience, these sessions will focus on what comes next – and how Island creatives can take purposeful, achievable steps forward. Whether you’re a freelancer, part of a CIC or Ltd company, or looking to take the next step in your creative business, this is for you.
More information on guest speakers coming soon. To be the first to register and join the IW Creative Network!
Schedule (full schedule to be announced soon):
9.30am Arrivals & registration - coffee/tea
10am Welcome & introductions
10.10am Morning Presentations
12.00pm LUNCH + Networking
1.00pm Afternoon keynote and workshop
2.30pm Panel Discussion, Q&A + Open floor discussions
3.30pm Networking/coffee/bookable 121 slots with Creative Advisors
4.30pm End
Venue Information: Building 41 is a modern, fully accessible venue with excellent transport links with a bus stop located just outside on Newport Road, between Ascensos and BAE Systems, just outside of Cowes in Northwood.
Parking and Transport: Parking is limited to residents of Building 41 and there are very limited parking bays available by pre-booking only. We strongly recommend the nearest car park at Somerton Park & Ride (Newport Road, Cowes, PO31 7ER) which is a 5 minute walk, £2 per day, and we suggest car sharing where possible – which you can arrange through posting a notice on the IW Creative Network Facebook Forum, to other creatives.
Alternative transport options include: Drop off to Building 41, cycling (onsite bicycle storage available) and by bus (BAE Bus stop via the Number 1 Park & Ride bus).
!!!Please remember to factor in some extra travelling time into Cowes due to the temporary one-way system on the Cowes to Newport Road!!! However – Buses can still go both ways.
Lunch: We can provide alternative lunch bags to those with specific dietary requirements, but event tickets must be booked by 16th March and the required booking information must be completed. (Disclaimer - the caterers will do everything they can to reduce risk of cross contamination but due to working in a small kitchen & preparation areas, they cannot guarantee a 100% allergen free meal with zero trace.)
Accessibility: The venue offers dedicated parking for those with health conditions or impairments, a disabled lift, wide doorways, and accessible toilets. Please email any access requirements to georgia@iwcreativenetwork.com.
Welcome Pack: We will have these printed on the day, and downloadable in advance of the conference.
Book a 121 with a Creative Advisor: As part of the offering, you can book a 121 session with one of our Creative Advisors (tba) - providing tailored advice on everything from fundraising to finding new revenue streams. These 'speed-date' style sessions will take place from 3.30-5pm for 30mins per session, after the main conference at Building 41. To apply for a 121 session with one of our Creative Advisors, please make sure to select this on your booking and we'll send you a short application form. DEADLINE TO APPLY: 16th March, 12pm noon. Please note, numbers are limited and are given on a first come first served basis.
Watch online: The main event will be live-streamed via the IW Creative Network YouTube channel, and will be recorded to watch back after the event. Link to access the live stream will be provided soon.
