Tuesday 24 March 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm | Building 41, Cowes | FREE for IWCN members
Inperson & livestreamed via YouTube by Skinny Mammoth Media
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:
- 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 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 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:
- 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 micro mentoring sessions
- Free tea, coffee & lunch
- 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.
Schedule:
9.30am Arrivals & informal networking
Coffee, tea and biscuits available. A chance to connect with other attendees.
10.00am Welcome & introductions from Creative Island
Morning Sessions: Case Studies & Practical Perspectives
10.10am-12.00pm A series of short talks (approx. 30 minutes each) offering practical insight into building, sustaining and growing creative work.
Effie Moss
Business strategist and founder working with entrepreneurs at what she calls “the bit in the middle” – when a business is no longer new but not yet fully established. Effie focuses on staying power, blending practical strategy with the mindset and resilience needed to build something that lasts.
Matt Jeffery – Brightbulb / Isle of Wight Chamber
Founder of Brightbulb and a board member of the Isle of Wight Chamber. Matt will share a grounded Island-based case study of growing a creative business – covering networking, PR, awards, visibility and the transition into employment.
Nicky Kildunne – Federation of Small Businesses
Nicky will explore how creatives can be supported at different stages of their business journey and highlight opportunities available through the Federation of Small Businesses.
Jack Aling – Rebel Business School
Jack Aling, Creative Director from Rebel will report back on the recent programme delivered for Island creatives, sharing key learning, insights and outcomes from the course.
12.00-1.00pm Lunch break and a chance to continue conversations and connect with other creatives.
Afternoon Sessions
1.00-2.30pm Keynote & Workshop – Zoie Golding
Nationally recognised cultural leader, choreographer and founder of ZoieLogic Dance Theatre. Zoie will deliver a keynote and facilitated workshop focusing on creative leadership, direction and goal-setting.
2.30-3.30pm Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A
Bringing together themes from the day, this conversation will explore how creative practitioners and businesses move forward with clarity and purpose. Panellists include Zoie Golding, Effie Moss and Designer & Art Director Sean Turner, facilitated by specialist in artist support, Alys Scott-Hawkins.
3.30-4.30pm Optional Focus Sessions
Attendees will have the opportunity to book into small focus-table conversations with Effie Moss, Alys Scott-Hawkins and Nicky Kildunne, offering space for more direct discussion and advice. (Due to high demand, this is instead of bookable 1:1s).
4.30pm End
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.