Open call: Pre-ACCESS 2024 masterclass, The Art of Networking

The workshop, running from 10am to 3pm, is designed to prepare attendees for effective networking and to help them maximise their ACCES experience.

This masterclass offers a hands-on approach to networking essentials tailored for the unique dynamics of an international music trade event. Attendees will learn practical techniques for navigating networking environments, setting up meetings, and making impactful introductions. The workshop will be facilitated by experienced creative professionals who will guide participants on key strategies, including business card etiquette, do’s and don’ts of networking, and securing meetings in advance.

ACCES 2024, set to take place at the Kigali Convention Centre on 14 and 15 November, features a robust day programme with conferences, exhibitions, and networking sessions. The event continues with an evening Showcase Festival at Mundi Center on 15 and 16 November, spotlighting live performances from diverse African artists.

The Art of Networking workshop is open to all ACCES attendees based in Kigali and aims to equip them with the tools to build meaningful connections, broaden their industry networks, and unlock potential business opportunities. Those attending will gain insights on maximising their ACCES experience, ultimately enhancing their ability to navigate and thrive in global music markets.

Event details:

• Masterclass date: 6 November 2024.
• Location: L’Espace, Kigali, Rwanda.
• Time: 10am – 3pm.

Interested creatives should register here before 2 November 2024.

Click here for more information about ACCES.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2024 is organized by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organization, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Ministry of Youth and Arts in Rwanda (MINIYOUTH), Siemens Stiftung, the French Institute, Goethe-Institut and Mundi Center. See all our sponsors and partners here.

About ESP

ESP is a consulting firm with a continental footprint whose mission is to provide entrepreneurs in Africa with the keys to sustainable success. ESP is an organisation devoted to identifying, enabling, and supporting entrepreneurs and private sector players to achieve long-term success and create prosperity for Africa. ESP is best defined as “entrepreneurs investing in entrepreneurs”.

Through initiatives like Tourism Inc (Rwanda) Alliance ICC (Côte d’Ivoire) and AFD (West Africa), ESP supported high-potential entrepreneurs in the creative industry in Africa.

The mastercard foundation Grow to Scale Initiative aims to create 44,000 dignified & fulfilling jobs (70% for women) by supporting MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Rwanda's agriculture, tourism, and creative sectors. Through three key interventions - Ecosystem Development, Business Development Services (BDS), and Access to Finance - the program targets four entrepreneur segments: Futurepreneurs (aspiring entrepreneurs), Gems (micro-enterprises), Bootstrappers (small businesses), and Gazelles (high-growth companies).

In the creative sector (tourism adjacent sectors) specifically, ESP is partnering with organisations like MIAF to support young entrepreneurs through targeted training, market access opportunities, and specialised programs for women. This aligns with the program's broader mission of fostering sustainable job creation in high-potential sectors, with a particular focus on youth employment and women's economic empowerment.

www.espartners.co(link is external)