Join us for the 2023 KTP Associates Conference – Telling Your Story at Bath Spa University on 7-8 September.

The theme of ‘story’ for the 2023 conference will provide a platform for delegates to focus on the importance of narrative in building and sustaining a successful personal brand and business.  The workshops will unpack the stories we tell about ourselves, who we are and what we’re capable of; the stories of failure and success that have shaped businesses of all sizes and how we can learn from them; and how thinking creatively isn’t only for ‘creative types’.  Bath Spa’s expertise in creativity and connectivity will support the delegates to take a fresh look at their understanding of what business means to them.

Day one will introduce delegates to the idea of storytelling in professional settings and support them to tell their own stories: either to reflect on their personal brand or their KTP project.  They will have the opportunity to be coached in professional storytelling techniques by AHRC Story Fellows producing their own short films or social media content to practise these skills, and to be inspired by a section of speakers including Prof. Bambo Soyinka the UK’s first professor of Story and AHRC Programme Director for Story.  There will be the usual opportunities for networking taking advantage of the beautiful campus grounds, and a gala dinner with keynote speaker and live music.

The second day of the programme expands the storytelling skills learned on day one to wider professional contexts.  A roundtable discussion with speakers from industry will give delegates an opportunity to hear the stories behind the headlines in peoples’ careers and how being able to articulate those stories has shaped their career trajectories.  The afternoon workshops will work on the practical skills needed for a successful KTP with sessions facilitated by KTN using narrative to explain innovation.

Delegates will leave the conference with a clear understanding of how storytelling can be a useful skill in professional settings, having practised it themselves and been inspired by the way others have used narrative in their own careers.  They will have plenty of opportunities to network and build relationships with other Associates as well as taking away resources to support their ongoing learning.

DRAFT PROGRAMME

Thursday 7th September

10.00 – Registration and coffee
11.00 – Welcome address: Prof John Strachan
11.30 – Welcome keynotes: Richard Lamb and Prof Bambo Soyinka
12.30 – Dr Simon Strange and The Story Society: Introduction to afternoon workshops
13.00 – Lunch and networking
14.00 – Telling your story: interactive workshops with a choice of film, social media and presentation skills
17.00 – Free Time
19.00 – Gala dinner with speaker Andy Reid and live music
21.00-23.00 – Networking and dedicated bar

Friday 8th September

09.00 – Coffee and networking
09.30 – Roundtable: stories of reinvention, regeneration and reflection
10.30 – Coffee and networking
11.00 – The Story of KTP: interactive workshops to support successful KTPs
12.30 – Awards and closing remarks
13.00 – Lunch
14.00 – Conference fringe: Informal Q&A sessions, clinics and training

For more information, contact ktpa2023@bathspa.ac.uk

Register for the event.