Using event programmes as inspiration
I’m back in Amsterdam. I wasn’t sure how I felt about returning as I was so hectic in the run up to coming to even think about it until I was packing my suitcases (one of which inevitably broke, probably from yet another – pardon the unintended pun - case of overpacking) and the usual excitement wasn’t there. But then as soon as the train scuttled closer to Amsterdam, the giddiness jolted out of me. I always feel slightly emotional pulling into Centraal Station and then when I see my usual haunts, I feel overwhelming pangs of happiness. So yes, I’m very happy and grateful to be back. Although, I will say I’m not sleeping as much as I'd like due to noises from the flat above and work outside so I’m feeling exhausted. Zzzz.
I’m writing this earlier than usual as I’ll be on a psilocybin (magic truffles) retreat and then will be running my workshop. I’m feeling all kind of emotions from slightly nervous to excited for the former. I’ll say more on it on another newsletter. My loose Amsterdam itinerary is stacking up with work. Amsterdam does hold an abundance of work opportunities. For example, this week there’s AI World Summit, Social Enterprise World Forum, while the following there’s Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). And I find lots of contacts and old acquaintances pass through, like the guy I lived next door to in East Dulwich in 2005, who messaged me last night on Facebook to ask to meet up as he’s visiting later in the month.
I was scouring through the programme for some of these events and I thought some of them can spark good feature ideas. For example, I’m attending the Green conference for ADE and there’s a session on bamboo as a construction material at festivals, which I pointed out to my BBC editor and he’s commissioned me a piece on it (although we're widening it out and I will give a nod to the conference). This could also be used as a springboard for PRs for feature ideas and suggestions – not just the event PRs who but if you or your client are appearing on an interesting panel you could highlight the session/idea to a features journalist. We’re always looking for fresh and interesting ideas and obviously can’t attend or look at every event programme.