Party aims to make business a pleasure

The North’s top creative talent are being given a chance to drum up new business while partying the night away at a networking event with a difference.

The Association of Integrated Media in the Highlands (aimhi ) is lining up top-notch speakers from the media, film and other creative industries for a business bash that will make way for one of the biggest parties of the year.

Organised in association with the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission, the conference-cum-party takes place at Carbisdale Castle , near Dornoch, on December 19.

Alistair Murray of aimhi said: “We cover an area that stretches from Argyll through the Highlands to the Western Isles and North Isles and it’s an area brimming with creative talent in industries ranging from film to music, PR to photography, design to market research.

“This event is both a business conference and a party, where people will have a chance to show the movers and shakers from the worlds of business, media and entertainment the huge reservoir of talent we have in the Highlands and Islands.

“It’s going to be a brilliant networking opportunity for a sector that’s really on the move in northern Scotland.”

The business part of the event runs from 3pm to 6.30pm and speakers include BBC presenter Lesley Riddoch, Calum Davidson of HIE and Gregor Rae of Business Lab.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission will also use the event to launch its production guide, which highlights the people and organisations represented by aimhi . CHANNEL4 IDEASFACTORY will also be present.

There will be a chance to network before dinner, which is being prepared by the award-winning Caledonian Curry Company. Croft No. 5 will provide entertainment, followed by a disco, a fireworks display and dancing into the wee small hours. Ale, spirits and wine will be available over the bar.

To book your tickets now, mail your checks together with contact details (phone and email) to aimhi, the media zone, inveraray, argyll PA32 8UH. Tickets cost £30 per person and is inclusive of all meals, accomodation, concert, and transport to and from Inverness.

PROPOSED PROGRAMME

14:00    Arrival and Registration

14:30    Welcome to the Conference, the Party, aimhi, the Future and all things creative.

            Alistair Murray – Chair aimhi

14:45    Introduction to Business Sessions

            Norrie Maclaren - Vice-chair aimhi

15:00    Future Trends for the Content Creation Industry in Highlands & Islands

             Keynote Speaker – Calum Davidson (HIE)

15:30    Critical Industry targets for 2004

            Keynote Speaker – Gregor Rae (Business Lab)

16:00    Break for mulled wine

16:30    Future Trends & Industry Targets – perspectives from content creators.

Panel question time

17:30    aimhi – 2003 Summary & Strategy News.

            plus introduce main speaker

17:45    Main Speaker

            Lesley Riddoch (BBC Scotland)

18:15   Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission

            Launch of Directory – Trish Shorthouse (SHIFC)

18:30    Networking and Drinks

19:30    Dinner Buffet

20:30    Disco

            Raffle at 21:15

21:30    Band

            Croft No.5 for extended session

22:30    Disco

24:00   Fireworks

00:15    The Beat Goes On