Tuesday 24 March 2026, daytime | Building 41, Cowes | FREE for IWCN members
Inperson & livestreamed via YouTube
SAVE THE DATE!
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 half-day gathering will bring together freelancers, creative businesses, and organisations to:
- Set direction for the year ahead
- Hear inspiring but practical lightning talks
- Explore support already available to creatives on the Island
- Map your own creative goals through a facilitated workshop
- Access free 1:1 sessions with visiting mentors and business advisors
Featuring Keynote & Workshop:
Zoie Golding MBE
A nationally celebrated cultural leader, choreographer and founder of ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, Zoie will open the day with 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 the 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:
- Keynote & facilitated workshop
- Lightning talks from inspiring creatives and businesses
- Reflections on the Island’s cultural future
- Signposting to existing business support networks (including FSB & IW Chamber)
- Optional bookable 1:1 mentoring sessions
- Free tea, coffee & nibbles
- Creative company & networking
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.
🎟️ Booking opens soon. SAVE THE DATE!
To be the first to register and join the IW Creative Network.