Key industry figures from across live music, sports and cultural events will discuss the major issues facing the industry at the Access All Areas Leaders Summit.

Hosted at Whittlebury Park Hotel Spa & Golf Resort on 8-9 October, the second edition of the summit will involve speakers including Formula E VP operations Agustin Delicado Zomeno, AEG Presents festivals director Laura Armstrong, Boomtown MD Toby Gwazdacz, Commonwealth Games head of strategic partnerships Marie Christie, Notting Hill Carnival CEO Matthew Phillip, Superstruct Entertainment COO Rebecca Kane Burton and Sziget festival head of production Tibor Hovarth.

Designed exclusively for senior live event producers and promoters, the Access All Areas Leaders’ Summit is invite-only and free to attend for delegates. As well as the keynote interview with Rebecca Kane Burton, the summit will consist of panel sessions, round tables, one-to-one meetings and a series of networking opportunities.

Senior live event professionals can register their interest in attending here.

The full programme:

DAY ONE — 8 OCTOBER

The Big Issues
The 2026 summer season analysed and explored, with the biggest challenges identified and possible solutions found.

  • Laura Armstrong, Festivals Director, AEG Presents
  • Toby Gwazdacz, Managing Director, Boomtown
  • Nick Morgan, CEO, We Group
  • Sarah Bullen, GM, Goodwood Revival
  • Chair: Chris Barrett, AAA

Ready, Weather or Not…
How can event producers best mitigate against the impact of extreme weather to ensure the safety of attendees and crew, protect sites and equipment, and more broadly minimise environmental impact long-term.

  • Claire O’Neill, CEO, AGF
  • Pauline Bourdon, Director, Soliphilia
  • Ross Robertson, Regional Managing Director, UK & Europe, Arena Group
  • Chair: Fran Martin, Head of Live, FRUKT & Octagon

AAA Backstage Podcast Interview

  • Rebecca Kane Burton, COO, Superstruct

Roundtables

DAY TWO — 9 OCTOBER

Global Challenges, Shared Solutions
A panel of speakers from a range of live event markets offer insight into the challenges and opportunities they face. Amid geopolitical pressure, we explore whether cross-industry positivity and unified approaches can meet challenges presented by external factors.

  • Agustin Delicado Zomeno, VP Operations, Formula E
  • Lucky Thompson, VP European Operations, AEG Presents
  • Tibor Horváth, Head of Production, Sziget Festival
  • Chair: Chris Barrett, AAA

A Licence to Thrill
Exploring licensing challenges such as Primary Authority and REMEL (Race Equality in Music Event Licensing), the panel will also discuss how best to work with local communities, minimise concerns, win support, and handle community backlash with effective reconciliation and crisis comms.

  • Ian Baird, Outdoor Events Development Manager, Culture & Events, Brighton & Hove City Council
  • Matthew Phillip, CEO, Notting Hill Carnival
  • Ben Ryan, Founder & Managing Director, City Splash Festival
  • Chair: Mel Wilds, Founder and CEO, Continental Drifts

A Sporting Chance
Exploring the challenges and opportunities involved in the planning and delivery of major sports events, balancing heritage with innovation, the development of new formats, and how best to engage host cities and local authorities for maximum mutual benefit.

  • Marie Christie, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Commonwealth Games
  • Meg John, Senior Project Manager, SailGP,
  • Peter Hodges, Communications Lead, Tour de France Grand Départ
  • Chair: Chris Barrett, AAA
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