We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurie Kirby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurie below.
Laurie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
As a lawyer in a large firm, I made an unconventional career pivot, leaving behind a stimulating and frankly lucrative career to follow my passion for film and film festivals in Newport, Rhode Island. Transitioning into the role of a festival director, I embraced the excitement and challenges of managing a large-scale regional destination film festival for the community at a tremendously reduced salary and with many unanticipated challenges to boot.
After working in the festival circuit, I saw the need for unity and professionalism in the festival industry. I then started my own business as a conference owner for all festivals.. I navigated the complexities of building a brand, attracting sponsors and attendees and maintaining financial sustainability. Luckily, the bet paid off!
Laurie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My career journey has been unconventional. After beginning in the structured world of law representing the Audubon Society, the Senior Legends of Golf Tour and other clients like CVS and TF Greene Airport, I decided to follow my passion for creativity and community by pivoting to the festival and events industry. I took the helm of the Newport RI Film Festival (and also several others) and also produced a few indie documentaries.
I realized that festivals needed a way to network and learn from each other. I then started FestForums, which is a conference designed for festival organizers and creators. FestForums provides a dynamic space for professionals in music, film, food, and beverage festivals to connect, learn, and collaborate. I am only the such conference in North America and every major festival has spoken at or attended FestForums. We also honor directors, musicians, chefs and actors each year as well.
At FestForums, my team and I address some of the biggest challenges festival organizers face, such as navigating trends, managing logistical complexities, building audiences, and fostering inclusivity. With a unique blend of insight and innovation, FestForums serves as both a resource hub and a networking platform, empowering clients to elevate their events to new heights. We focus on community and collaboration and celebrate diversity, sustainability and social justice.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I am an avid book reader and I have developed my business and life philosophy with some of the following books:
Bene Brown- Atlas of the Heart
Don Miguel Ruiz-The Four Agreements
Yuval Noah Harari – Sapiens
Pema Chödrön-When Things Fall Apart
Nikole Sheri Hannah-Jones- The 1619 Project
Timothy Snyder-On Tyranny
Michael Pollen-How to change your mind
James Baldwin-If Beale Street could talk
Joan Didian-The Year of Magical Thinking
Dorothy Parker – Anything! In her will, she bequeathed her estate to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I learned that trust is earned, not given freely. Don’t confuse being kind with giving away the shop. Watch for the red flags and be careful with your heart, your mind and your checkbook. I have been burned so many times in every aspect of my life that I don’t even know where to start but we’ve all been there. You can survive anything but I love this quote: Once you lose access to me, don’t expect the same me I once gave you. Expect the version you deserve, from the energy you created.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FestForums.com
- Instagram: @FestForums
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-kirby-esq-a830b517/
- Youtube: @FestForums
Image Credits
@Claire Hart