From the response to my post about #BlueEarthSummit where I could not understand the relevance to me or the value of attending, it seems there are others in the producer/processing chain who feel the same way. So I thought I would stick my neck out and say what I DO think is worth attending - if, and it's a big if, you can afford to do so and have the time.
I prefer smaller, more focused events with a definite theme and where the majority of attendees and speakers are not just media personalities and CSR Managers but are actual game changers. By that I don't mean opinion formers -anyone on SM could be called that -I mean people who can actually get things DONE.
So by default, this means the majority will have practical input into systems. Their daily actions will swing things one way or another. I work on the "The flapping of the wings of a butterfly can be felt on the other side of the world." principle. The actions of the individual, however small and frail, can have massive impact, but they have to be reached, to be encouraged to flap those wings. Events must be designed to do this. Not preach to the converted.
In our particular textile world, it can be very small people - just individual producers running a few thousand sheep/cashmere goats to mill owners, equipment/machinery manufacturers, government ministers and retail sourcing directors. All have wings to stretch and try out, if encouraged to do so.
Talking formally and informally to everyone involved at the sharp end of living with current systems and challenges opens eyes and changes perceptions. There's also plenty of room for Blue Skies thinking. That's not the prerogative of the big "dreamy" events - the more intimate focused events are just as capable of coming up with the next big issue -and its PRACTICAL solution.
So here's what I will be going to or would if I could afford it.
Wonderful Wool Day - run by the Irish Wool Council 16th August Belfast, NI
(see below)
Future Fibres Network Event - 3-4th September, Huddersfield, Yorkshire
https://lnkd.in/eeD4Es6y
Regenerative Agriculture Summit 5the September Amsterdam, Netherlands
https://lnkd.in/eXjWy8sC
Natural Fibre Connect - 18-19th September, Biella, Italy
https://lnkd.in/e_rzs5Xm
IWTO Round Table, Istanbul 27-29th November, Istanbul
https://lnkd.in/exkbVq8f
All of them will have a great deal to offer anyone who attends. I can manage 2 this year. Irish Wool Event and probably IWTO. Money is always the issue and finding farm cover. My animals come first - something most attending talking shop style Blue Sky events never have to consider.
Join us for #AugustCraftMonth as we step into the world of 'Wonderful Wool' to celebrate the potential of Irish Grown Wool as a sustainable natural material.
📅 Fri 16 August 2024 | 10AM-1.30pm
📍Conor Lecture Theatre, Ulster University
🎟️ Free tix. Booking essential: https://bit.ly/46vt8Ga
Hosted by Ulster University, event highlights include:
▪️ Panel Discussion: Dive into the world of wool with keynote speakers from the Irish Grown Wool Council
▪️ Interactive Seminar: Engage with talented craftspeople from across Ireland
▪️ Free Networking Lunch: Connect with our panel and fellow wool enthusiasts
▪️ Maker's Demonstration & Exhibit: Celebrate the beauty and versatility of wool.
Panelists:
▪️ Chris Weiniger, General Manager, Donegal Yarns Ltd
▪️ Jayne Harkness-Bones, Wool Collection, Grading & Trading, UlsterWool
▪️ Laura Perrem, Artistic Director & Club Manager, Stolen Stitches Ltd
▪️ Alison Gault, Senior Lecturer & Researcher, Belfast School of Art, Ulster University
Don't miss this chance to celebrate wool's beauty and sustainability!
#AugustCraftMonth | Design & Crafts Council Ireland | CRAFT NI #augustcraftmonth #irishwool #irishbioeconomy
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Mediengestalter / Layout / Illustration/ Corporate Design
2wIncredible idea 💡Project like this here is really inspiring and push other creators to think outside the box! Congrats! 🎊