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The Honey Pot HIVE is your chance to meet and connect with industry delegates from around the world in a fast-paced, informal setting. This guide will walk you through what a HIVE is, how to prepare, and how to make the most of these valuable networking opportunities during Adelaide Fringe.

Contents

What is a HIVE?

Think of a HIVE as speed dating for artists! Industry delegates from around the globe host tables, and Adelaide Fringe artists move between these tables for informal conversations. This gives everyone a chance to chat and make initial connections. Different delegates participate each week as they arrive and depart throughout the festival month.

Honey Pot tour-ready and programmable artists are invited to attend. Come prepared and ready to discuss potential future opportunities and programming alignments with delegates who show interest in similar types of work. For many, this is the first point of contact and communication.

When and Where?

HIVE sessions run every Thursday of the festival. They are held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, a purpose-built venue with the space and infrastructure to facilitate these industry-focused shows.

Each HIVE runs for 90 minutes, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by an informal drinks breakout session for 60 minutes. Registration for each HIVE is done through the HIVE Zone in 'My Honey Pot' within AVR, and is only available for shows registered with Honey Pot.

HIVE Zone

The HIVE Zone can be found on your Honey Pot dashboard (alongside Delegate & Show Finder) in AVR. Introduced in 2021, it's designed to display all confirmed attending delegates and artists at each HIVE. By linking to delegate profiles and show profiles, it aims to encourage research and preparation, helping you better prepare for face-to-face meetings during each HIVE session.

How to HIVE

The HIVE is not a pitching show, and you shouldn't approach it with a hard sell or the expectation of securing a booking immediately. Think of it more as an opportunity to introduce yourself, make a new acquaintance, and learn more about each other. You never know what outcomes might result from a conversation moving forward. Be clear about your expectations before the show.

It's important to be prepared before a HIVE. Here are a few key tips:

Tips for Pitching

While the HIVE isn't a formal pitch session, you'll still want to be able to articulate your show's essence quickly and effectively. Here are some tips for making a strong impression:

  • Know Your Story: Be able to clearly and concisely describe your show. What is it about? What's unique or compelling about it?
  • Highlight Key Selling Points: What makes your show stand out? Is it tour-ready? Does it have strong reviews or awards?
  • Tailor Your Approach: Based on your research of the delegate, frame your show in a way that aligns with their interests or programming goals.
  • Be Enthusiastic: Your passion for your work is infectious! Let your genuine excitement shine through.
  • Keep it Brief: You'll have limited time. Focus on the most impactful information and be ready to answer follow-up questions.
  • Have a Call to Action: What do you want them to do next? Watch a trailer, visit your website, or attend your show?

Tips to HIVE'in

  • Delegate Finder: This resource should be your first point of call when researching. Everything you need to know about each delegate can be found online in the Delegate Finder (available late-Jan).
  • Research & Make Notes: Identify who is a possible match for your show and articulate why your show might interest them. Working out which presenters are truly compatible with your work will save you time and help you avoid conversations that won't lead anywhere.
  • 'Ready to Go' – are you sure?: Is your work absolutely ready to be programmed outside of Fringe? Or would it benefit from a little more development? Be honest with yourself.
  • Identify Delegates in advance of a HIVE: A list of delegates who have signed up to participate in the weekly HIVE will start appearing once we open the HIVE Zone. Click on their links, learn who they are, and identify who you should talk to.
  • Make Contact: Open up communications for follow-up meetings. Perhaps a one-on-one meeting at a later date if you are unable to sit down with them during a HIVE.
  • Passionate vs Pushy: Be passionate about your work – it's infectious! Passion is a quality that speaks to everyone.
  • Don't sit with everyone: Chances are there may only be a few delegates who align with your show. It's okay to have just one or two good conversations – don't worry about trying to talk to everyone.

REMEMBER: The HIVE is not where you're going to negotiate your next deal, but it could be the start of something beautiful!

Summary

  • HIVEs are informal speed-dating style networking events for artists and industry delegates.
  • They run every Friday during the Fringe (excluding opening weekend) at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
  • Use the HIVE Zone and Delegate Finder in AVR to research delegates and prepare for your conversations.
  • Focus on making genuine connections and being passionate about your work, rather than a hard sell.

Additional Resources