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Stian Eismann – EJN Staff Exchange 2025
Sending EJN member: Midtnorsk jazzsenter (Norway)
Hosting EJN member: Puglia Sounds (Italy)
Dates of the exchange: 20–24 September 2025
During my staff exchange with Puglia Sounds, I had the opportunity to take part in the preparations for the upcoming European Jazz Conference.
On Monday, 22 September, I was warmly welcomed at the office and introduced to the team. We reviewed the conference programme together and discussed the different venues. I observed the planning process and gained insight into how the organisation works in a strategic and collaborative way. Later, we walked through the city to visit theatres, hotels, restaurants, and other locations that would host various parts of the conference. We met with local partners, considered logistical scenarios, and discussed practical details. The day ended with a team lunch at a local panino spot, which also offered a chance to connect informally with the staff.
On Tuesday, 23 September, I arrived at the office in the morning and met additional team members. We discussed the preparation of goodie bags, logistics related to the group photo, and the excursions planned for Sunday, among other organisational details. Later, I visited the castle where Ella and other team members were preparing the conference site, observing how different aspects of the production were coordinated.
On Wednesday, 24 September, I returned to the office to help prepare goodie bags, cut voting cards, and organise materials. We also visited the Kursaal Theatre, one of the main conference venues, to check practical arrangements. Afterwards, we returned to the castle to assist with further preparations.
This exchange gave me valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes work involved in organising a major international music conference. I learned about the level of planning, coordination, and communication required between multiple partners, and I gained a clearer understanding of event production on a European scale. It was inspiring to see how the Puglia Sounds team works with such precision and enthusiasm, and the experience strengthened both my professional skills and my international network.
