AEG European Festivals Chief Jim King Confirmed for IFF 2025 Keynote in London

London, UK – Jim King, the chief executive of AEG’s European Festival Division, is set to deliver a highly anticipated keynote interview at the 2025 International Festival Forum (IFF). The event, widely recognized as the world’s foremost gathering of booking agents and music festivals, is scheduled to convene in London from September 9 to 11, 2025.

IFF provides a crucial platform for industry professionals to connect, negotiate deals, discover new talent through showcases, and engage in vital discussions shaping the future of the live music sector. The 2025 edition is expected to host approximately 1,000 delegates from across the globe, solidifying its status as a pivotal event in the international festival calendar.

A Leading Voice in the European Festival Landscape

As the head of AEG’s European Festival Division, Jim King oversees a portfolio of major festivals, contributing significantly to the live music ecosystem across the continent. His role places him at the forefront of strategic planning, talent acquisition, and navigating the complex operational challenges inherent in producing large-scale events. King’s extensive experience spans many years in the industry, granting him a unique perspective on its evolution, current state, and future trajectory.

AEG is a global leader in the sports and live entertainment industry, with a vast network of venues, sports teams, and events. Their involvement in the festival market is substantial, making the insights from one of their top executives particularly relevant and valuable to the IFF audience, which comprises the agents who book talent and the festival organizers who hire them.

IFF 2025: A Hub for Industry Connection

The 2025 International Festival Forum will take place at its established Central London campus. This includes utilizing key venues such as Omeara and Novotel London Bridge, providing varied spaces for official programming, informal meetings, and networking opportunities essential for fostering industry relationships and facilitating business.

Scheduled across three days, the forum’s agenda is packed with panels, presentations, and networking sessions designed to address contemporary issues facing the festival landscape. From sustainability and technological advancements to talent development and market trends, IFF aims to equip delegates with the knowledge and connections needed to succeed in a dynamic environment.

Keynote Focus: Insights from a Storied Career

Jim King’s keynote interview is specifically slated for Wednesday, September 10, 2025. This centerpiece session is expected to delve into a range of topics, offering delegates direct access to King’s perspective forged over his considerable career in the industry. The discussion will reportedly cover insights gleaned from his journey and experiences managing significant festival operations.

A key focus of the interview will also be on the key development areas for the festival sector. Given King’s position and AEG’s scale, these areas are likely to touch upon strategic growth opportunities, market challenges, the impact of global events on touring and festivals, evolving audience expectations, and potential innovations shaping the future of live music events. His views are anticipated to provide significant takeaways for agents seeking to understand future booking demands and festivals planning for long-term viability.

Anticipating the Impact

The confirmation of Jim King as a keynote speaker underscores IFF’s importance as a platform for high-level industry discourse. His presence is expected to draw considerable attention from the 1,000 anticipated delegates, offering a rare opportunity for leading agents and festival organizers to hear directly from one of the most influential figures in the European festival market.

The insights shared during his interview on September 10, 2025, could potentially influence strategies and spark discussions that resonate throughout the festival planning and booking cycle for years to come. As the festival landscape continues to evolve in response to various global factors, understanding the perspectives of leaders like King becomes increasingly crucial for navigating its complexities.

The 2025 International Festival Forum promises to be a vital convergence point for the industry, with Jim King’s keynote interview standing out as a must-attend session for professionals looking to gain strategic foresight and deepen their understanding of the forces shaping the future of festivals worldwide.