The audience development agency for the West Midlands is inviting decision-makers in the cultural sector to their 2010 Annual Conference, Physical Digital.

  Rapid changes in technology over the last decade have revolutionised the way in which the cultural sector engages with audiences.  Physical Digital is an inspirational one-day conference delivered by Audiences Central which aims to explore how digital technology can be used to engage and understand audiences.

The conference will take place on Thursday 15th April 2010 at The Public in West Bromwich.

A must-attend event for those in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors involved with, or interested in using technology – from websites and free online tools to more complex digital solutions – to engage, sustain and grow audiences.  The conference is suitable for leaders, managers, assistants and officers in the fields of marketing, communications, engagement, research and education.

Topics include:

•    Guerrilla marketing
•    The power of virals
•    Navigating digital audiences
•    How free online tools can be used to capture and grow audiences and overcoming the digital divide.

Keynote speakers include:

•    Word-of-mouth evangelist Molly Flatt from 1000heads talks about a campaign delivered for the V&A Museum and the creation of a virtual and physical alternative reality game which became exposed to 90,000 people virally through online ambassadors.

•    Helen Petrie, York University's Professor of Human Computer Interaction discusses how technology can be used to navigate audiences from live to digital and digital to live.

Breakout sessions include:

•    The Media team from The Herbert Art Gallery, describing how technology will enable personalisation of the visitor experience.

•    Young Disciples' experience of engaging with young people through technology and music

•    An insight into digital engagement in rural areas by The Rural Media Company

Booking details

Audiences Central Members: Free (Link / Momentum package); One credit (Flex package); Other members £85 + VAT
Non-Members: Early Bird (before 26th February): £120+VAT; Standard Rate: £150 + VAT

Audiences Central Conference 2010
Physical Digital: Engaging and Understanding Audiences
Thursday 15 April 2010, 10am-4pm
The Public, New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PG

For further information contact Audiences Central on Tel: +44 (0)121 685 2600, Email: jan.mcquillan@audiencescentral.co.uk / anita.dinham@audiencescentral.co.uk or visit: www.audiencescentral.co.uk/events