ILMC’s bursary scheme to close 2025 applications

The final round of the Alia Dann Swift Bursary Scheme, supported by ASM Global, will close in two weeks on Friday 7 February.

The scheme offers 30 young executives a complimentary delegate pass to the 37th edition of ILMC at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel between 25-28 February 2025. Each recipient is twinned with a dedicated industry mentor.

The scheme is supported by ASM Global’s corporate social responsibility platform, ASM Global Acts, whose aim is to protect the environment, invest in people, and strengthen communities around the globe.

For ILMC’s 36th edition in 2024, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall CEO Andrew Bolt was paired with Judith Potts, programming manager at ICC Belfast, and Emily Haigh, Live University Union live music event manager.

“Attending ILMC is something I would never have been able to do without the bursary. Having the opportunity to attend for free meant I could network and learn without any pressure,” Haigh says.

“It definitely felt daunting at first, it is a huge conference with people from all over the world. Having Andrew to talk to meant it didn’t feel so lonely at first and it was a nice friendly face to see each morning before the day started.”

“There is a responsibility for successful companies like ASM Global to ‘give back’ to the industry”

Expanded by ASM for 2025, the bursary scheme now includes six months of additional mentoring consisting of five monthly meetings post-ILMC, and access to the firm’s senior management during that period for any questions.

Bolt says he saw value in sharing his experiences with rising executives like Haigh and Potts, and welcomes the expansion of the scheme.

“It is important to be available to assist anyone who may be looking to develop their career in the industry,” he says. “Of course, experience can only be gained by doing, but the lessons from experience can be passed on and for those who might be interested in some insights I have gained, I’m happy to share.

“I believe there is a responsibility for successful companies like ASM Global to ‘give back’ to the industry. It’s also very smart industry practice, as these programmes provide the company with a chance to see the next generation coming through and be influential in how that may provide positive outcomes for both the company and the mentee.”

Through the scheme, Potts says she gained connections with a network of venues, in addition to personalised career development through small group and individual sessions.

“It’s a lasting connection that will always be available throughout your career”

“For the industry as a whole, mentorship is extremely valuable as industry experts are able to transfer their knowledge to upcoming leaders. These experts will also highlight challenges which the industry has overcome and help to develop skills for dealing with future challenges, helping to shape the industry and how it develops,” she says.

Potts and Haigh both highlighted how facilitated mentorship can help mitigate the gap between rising professionals and seasoned leaders, during ILMC and beyond.

“Sometimes it’s hard to reach out and ask for help or advice,” adds Haigh. “Facilitated mentorship means you have a ready and willing person to give you advice, and the pressure is taken off because you don’t feel like a burden.”

After a fulfilling first edition, Haigh plans to return for her second ILMC this year.

“I have grown so much over the last 12 months, and this is partly because I have a great support network to ask questions to and get a second opinion when I feel uncertain,” she says. “It’s really nice to have someone in your corner, and it’s a lasting connection that will always be available throughout your career.”

“The industry as a whole benefits from the programme”

Bolt echoes the same sentiments, highlighting how the scheme is beneficial for mentors and mentees alike.

“The feedback I have received from past mentees has been very encouraging to me and I’ve felt it has been worth my professional time to support the programme,” he says. “I’ve also noted from their comments that mentees have appreciated the perspectives and thoughts I have shared.

“On that level, I believe the industry as a whole benefits from the programme.”

Active since 2018, the programme — named after the late Alia Dann Swift, ILMC’s long-standing producer — is intended to provide a route for live music’s brightest upcoming executives to join the ILMC network. This year, the 150th mentee will attend the annual conference as part of the scheme.

The scheme is open to international applicants and encourages applicants from a diverse background. Application information can be found here.

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