Project KA9031_The results of the Festival Networking in North Karelia

Submitted by KA9031 on
Big Music for Small Cities

The third part of the festival network within the project "Big Music for Small Cities" was implemented in the spirit of networking. In addition to the North Karelian art festivals, representatives from the fields of tourism, accommodation and restaurant services were invited to the seminar. The webinar on 13 January 2021 discussed cross-sectoral networking, the challenges and opportunities of communication in collaboration, and inspiring examples from experts. The speakers were Anna Härkönen (Russian Account Manager, VisitKarelia), Mari Karjalainen (CEO, WTF Productions Oy), Sari Rusanen (Executive Director, Kuhmo Chamber Music), Tiina Kuusisto (Executive Director, Pirfest ry) and Leena Tervakorpi (European Account Manager, VisitKarelia).

Anna Härkönen presented the audience a new three-year Tourist Road Map program aimed at developing event tourism. It includes South and North Karelia and Russian Karelia. The plan also offers a concrete opportunity for networking for the target audience of the Festival Network.

As in previous Festival Network seminars, the participants heard inspiring examples of the successful implementation of event ideas and the fruitful networks that resulted from hard work. Heavy Metal Knitting World Championships - an idea that quickly increased to a global phenomenon. Mari Karjalainen did it together and made possible by a small core group and successful networks. Kuhmo Chamber Music is an example of long-term and committed work and the strength of networks. Sari Rusanen talked about the festival as a network product and has worked at her best for 15 years to find a common language between different actors.

Pirkanmaa Festivals, Pirfest ry, is a network of Pirkanmaa art festivals. Executive Director Tiina Kuusisto gave a comprehensive account of the association's activities, its benefits and opportunities for influence. Diverse activities and support for festivals are comprehensive. The operating model is of great interest. Leena Tervakorpi illustrated with examples what ideas and networks were created through VisitKarelia. She encouraged to the expansion of thought patterns and to grasp even non-essential networking proposals. She also gave concrete tips for finding new partners.

The output of the three seminars has been varied and inspiring in terms of marketing, networking and festival development. Thanks to all the speakers and participants! Cast the nets!