New multi-disciplinary networking membership club Creatiff holds its first event on 29 September. John Fairley of Splash Worldwide will be there. Should you be?
In May we brought you news that 111 Collectiff had formed Creatiff, a membership club designed to connect those working in all media industries, and to provide a base for networking, learning, collaboration and entrepreneurship. This month - 29 September to be precise - sees its first networking event. John Fairley, creative director at Splash Worldwide will be there as guest speaker. If you’re interested in expanding your horizons perhaps you should be there too.
Alison Harper, who is leading the development of Creatiff, is understandably eager to get people along to the inaugural event, which will be held at Corney and Barrow in Paternoster Square, London.
“Collaboration not competition is the way forward. Collaboration is key and we want to provide that ‘safe place to speak’ so that members can explore a wider business world,” she says. “In some ways we have reached an operational terminus and the conductor is crying out ‘All Change’. The route forward is changing and the days of working in our own insular fields and personal comfort zones no longer generate the new business we all need.”
The intention with Creatiff is to bring together those in print, marketing, integrated communications, design, arts, theatre, technology, the voluntary sector and IT.
The idea is that the club’s monthly networking events will include a short talk from an industry leader who will examine ways in which we can all work together, break down barriers and create a genuine atmosphere of collaboration.
At the first of meetings, the focus will be on how Splash Worldwide - an integrated creative, and production technology agency with offices in EMEA (London, Abu Dhabi, Berlin), the US (New York, Portland, LA) and China (Shanghai) - develops its business. Fairley - whose responsibilities are in building, developing and maintaining all creative departments across print, digital, social and motion as well as amplifying new, fresh ideas and opportunities with existing clients - will provide the insight.
Harper says: “After months of thought, discussion and extensive research with potential members, top of everyone’s list was a regular monthly networking event - but combined with options for real business and IT support, leaving new members free to concentrate on their businesses.”
So as well as the networking events, Creatiff will also be offering training and workshops on a regular basis, and a mentoring scheme to all its members. Plus, it has made arrangements with organisations that can provide members with professional advice and hands-on business support when needed. “Got a staff problem? IT traumas? Tax, insurance, health and safety worries? Members of Creatiff will have the opportunity to access support packages provided by experienced professionals to resolve problems quickly,” reiterates Harper.
She adds: “We hope that the printing industry, in all its guises, will take advantage of this opportunity and keep print up to date and fully engaged in an ever-changing marketplace.
“Working together we will create a synergy allowing us to grow in every way possible. We hope Creatiff will close the circle and help members forge powerful networks that can enhance their businesses.”