How to get ahead in comedy

9.30 OPENING SESSION: Alexei Sayle

With 35 years experience of comedy, Alexei Sayle speaks about how British comedy has changed over the years and whether it’s in a fit state today.

10.15 THE NEW ALTERNATIVE: CAN YOU MAKE A CAREER OF IT

Today's comedy is centred around new mainstream stand-up, epitomised by the 'shiny floor' stand-up shows on TV. But there is a new alternative to that ethos, too. What are the artistic and career challenges of taking a more distinctive path? And Will the new alternative break into the mainstream, as that generation did

Panel: John Kearns, Foster's Best Newcomer 2013; Tony Law, nominated for the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2012;Mike Leigh, agent from Mike Leigh Associates, more to be announced

11.00 COFFEE

11.15 HOW TO SUCCEED AT EDINBURGH

The Fringe is bigger and more competitive than ever, and changing year on year. How should you best approach the world's biggest arts festival and comedy trade fair. And how should you spend your money most effectivel. Do you need a paid venue, or a free one? A publicist? A sizeable poster budget:

Panel: Ryan Taylor, head of comedy at the Pleasance; Mark Fisher, author of the Edinburgh Fringe Survival Guide; Jools Constant of Freestival; and PR Madelaine Bennett of Prospero Communications.

12:00 COMEDY CLUBS IN CRISIS?

Anecdotal reports are that comedy clubs are struggling. Are people no longer willing to pay for live comedy from a trusted local club? Or have badly-run venues and a sea of free gigs and open spots damaged the 'brand' of live comedy? More importantly, what can the live circuit do to fight back?

Panel: Marios Lourides, director of Jongleurs; Don Ward, owner of the Comedy Store; Comedy Cafe owner Noel Faulkener; Pete Grahame, who has run Downstairs At The Kings Head since 1991.

1.15 LUNCH

2.00 THE ART OF SELF PROMOTION

Who needs the industry anyway? Increasingly acts are promoting their own tours and releasing their own DVDs or CDs without agents and promoters. Here we find out how

Panel: Sam Brady, a comedian who put together his own tour, Kindness; Lewis Shaffer, who has the longest-running stand-up show in London; Chris Evans from indie DVD label Go Faster Stripe; Dan Waite of MIG Management, who has experience of independently releasing albums.

2.45 SPONSORSHIP

Could corporate backing help the comedy industry, or is it selling out? How do you get sponsorship, and what do sponsors expect in return?

Panel: Gayle Harrison, former brand director of Foster's, now global marketing manager for cider with Heineken; Caroline Edwards, managing direction of branded comedy consultancy Sparkle.More panelists to be announced.

3.30 COFFEE

3.45 WHAT BROADCASTERS WANT

Commissioners from major broadcasters describe what they are seeking, and what personally excites them. Get the lowdown on what the next generation of comedy shows may be.

Panel: Chris Sussman, BBC Executive Editor of Comedy;Fiona McDermott, commissioning editor for comedy at Channel 4; Caroline Raphael, Commissioning Editor of comedy, Radio 4; Iain Coyle, comedy and enterainment commissioning executive at UKTV.

4.20 PITCH PERFECT?

Here's your chance to make a 60-second pitch to our panel of broadcasters and receive some instant feedback (but beware, it might not be what you want to hear…)

4.45 CLOSING SPEAKER: David Baddiel

Speaking about his experiences as a stand-up, as a creator of his own sitcom, and writer of the movie The Infidel, now being made into a stage musical.

5.30 END

Use the Pay Now button below to secure your place for the full day. Tickets cost £100 including teas, coffees and lunch.

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Published: 28 May 2014