Yup, thats right. After 2 years spending time chattering to freelancers (on email, forums, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook groups) I have decided there is a real need to get together offline.
So, with the help of fellow freelancer Leonie Thomas, I am organising the Freelance-A-Lot meetup event. The concept is fairly simple. Get as many UK based freelancers mingling in a room whilst plying them with advice, support, food and drink. The event will be organised by freelancers, for freelancers and is not overtly commercial. For example the tickets are completely free meaning freelancers don’t foot the bill. Our lovely sponsors, Freeagent and IPSE are making that possible. So here is all you need to know about the event and I hope to see you there!
WHEN?
Wednesday, 13 April 2016 from 18:00 to 22:00
WHERE?
Kosmonaut Basement – 10 Tariff St Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 2FF – View On Map
THE SPEAKERS
“FEE NOT FREE”
BY CHRIS WILLIAMS – FOUNDER @ NETWORK FREELANCE
Chris Williams is the Founder and MD of Network Freelance and is also a Freelance Photographer. He is the man behind the #FeeNotFree campaign currently running across the web. Chris’s talk will explore what it means to be a freelancer in today’s economy and discuss the pros and cons of working for free.
‘SHARE SPACE, GAIN MORE.’
BY HECTOR KOLONAS – FOUNDER @ INCLUDED.CO
Hector Kolonas is a pathological problem solver, wordpress freelancer and multi-startup founder. Hector will be joining us to share why he believes that shared workspaces offer so much more than just affordable and flexible desk space.
THE EXPERTS
The following experts are kinly giving their time to be on hand at the event for free impartial advice:
COACHING EXPERT
HENRIETTA BOND – COACH @ RESOURCEFUL COACHING
Henrietta Bond, ACC (PCC qualification pending) is an experienced and highly-trained coach who helps individuals find the best solutions for their business, and challenges and motivates them to create robust and ambitious strategies. Henrietta has been freelance for 20 years.
LEGAL EXPERT
STEVE KUNCEWICZ – IP LAWYER @ BERMANS
Steve is Head of Intellectual Property, Media at Bermans LLP. He specialises in Intellectual Property, Media and Social Media Law, and has worked mainly in the Media, Creative, Film, Television, Marketing, Advertising and PR sectors. He is also a Board Member at ProManchester and works to build links between the financial/professional services and creative industries.
INSURANCE EXPERT
MICHAEL HENDERSON – INSURANCE BROKER @ RISK BOX
Michael has worked in the commercial insurance sector for over 15 years, both as an advisor to businesses, and within insurance companies. He is the founder of Risk Box, an insurance broker dedicated to protected people and businesses within the creative and technology sectors.
FINANCE EXPERT
MICHAEL McCULLION – ACCOUNTANT @ BRIGHT IDEAS ACCOUNTANCY
THE AGENDA
- 6 PM Event kicks off with mingling and first free drink
- 6:30 PM Brief intro followed by Chris Williams talk
- 7 PM Food arrives and 2nd drinks vouchers handed out
- 7:45 PM Hector Kolonas talk
- 8:15 PM Open Mic Intros – Attendees have 60 seconds to either pitch their own skills/business or request a partner freelancer.
- 8:45 – 10 PM Networking and chatter
FOOD & DRINK
There will be 2 rounds of free drinks during the event. The first round will go to the first 50 attendees. The 2nd round of 50 free drinks will be handed out at 7pm when the food arrives.
Our sponsors are treating attendees to the following free food, so no need to go home first:
- Selection of beef, chicken & halloumi (V) kebabs
- Mini cheeseburgers
- Mini fried chicken sandwiches
- Mini wonder burgers (V)
- Mini chicago dogs
- Selection of fries
SPONSORS
A massive thank you to our two primary sponsors who’s support makes the event free for you lovely lot and means you get spoilt with food and drinks. Click on their logos to find out more about them.
WANT A TICKET?
Head on over to our EventBrite page to book your ticket: freelancealot.eventbrite.co.uk