Pitch Without Permission
Pitch Without Permission
Reclaiming the Room + Telling Your Story Authentically
A Panel Discussion with Q&A
The traditional pitching process is broken—too often shutting out women and underrepresented talent before the conversation even begins. But what happens when we stop waiting for permission, and start telling our stories on our own terms?
This empowering session flips the script on how to share your vision, land opportunities, and stand out without diluting who you are. Expect real-world strategies, confidence-building tools, and unapologetic honesty about navigating rejection, bias, and the power dynamics at play.
With Amanda Graham (Writer, Script Editor + Public Speaker) and more speakers to be announced, this panel is a must for anyone tired of playing by outdated rules and ready to rewrite them.
Build the Shit You Want to See
Build the Shit You Want to See
How to Make the Work That Doesn’t Exist Yet
A Panel Discussion with Q&A
Tired of waiting for permission? This session is about rolling up your sleeves and creating the films, businesses, collectives, and opportunities you wish already existed. It’s for the rebels, the innovators, and the doers who know that if we want change, we have to build it ourselves.
Hosted by Lois (SHORTIES), with Jodie Deakin (Founder of A Beautiful Place to Get Lost) and Sara Harrak (British-Moroccan Writer and Director), this conversation will dig into the highs, lows, and practical realities of making your own lane. From crowdfunding to creative resilience, expect sharp insights and raw honesty.
Proudly sponsored by SHORTIES, this panel is a rallying cry to stop waiting and start building.
Fail Big, Bounce Hard
Fail Big, Bounce Hard
Turning Setbacks into Fuel for What’s Next
A Panel Discussion with Q&A
Failure is inevitable in the creative industries—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In fact, the biggest stumbles often spark the boldest comebacks.
This unapologetic session explores the power of failure as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and reinvention. Expect raw honesty, laughter, and hard-won lessons on how to survive the lows, learn from them, and bounce back stronger.
Featuring Emma Ahlert (Founder of Elsie) with more speakers to be announced soon, this conversation will remind you that “failure” isn’t a dirty word—it’s part of the process..
Mental Health Is NOT Up for Negotiation
Mental Health Is Not Up for Negotiation
Protecting Wellbeing in Creative Work
A Panel Discussion with Q&A
Too often, the creative industries demand everything—long hours, relentless hustle, constant availability—at the expense of our wellbeing. But mental health is not a “nice to have.” It’s non-negotiable.
This essential session challenges toxic norms and explores how we can create healthier, more sustainable ways of working. Expect honest conversation about boundaries, burnout, and building support systems that actually work.
With Abbie Hills (Access Coordinator + Mental Health Advocate) and more speakers to be announced, this discussion is for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to sacrifice their wellbeing just to stay in the game.
