HEATSKRS CON returns in November, bringing the creative economy together
Behind every film, music release, creative campaign and cultural experience is a network of people, ideas, business decisions and opportunities that make it possible. This November, HEATSKRS CON is bringing those conversations into one space, with a two-day programme designed to connect the people shaping the country’s creative landscape. Presented by BAI Foundation, HEATSKRS CON returns on 13 and 14 November 2026 at Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners and industry professionals for two days of conversations, learning, collaboration and cultural exchange.
HEATSKRS CON is centred on increasing the interconnectivity and understanding of South Africa’s creative and cultural sectors. The convention creates a space for people working across different areas of the creative economy to exchange knowledge, explore new opportunities and better understand the wider ecosystem they are part of.
Building on the foundation established through previous HEATSKRS programmes, the 2026 convention will explore both the business and craft of creativity, while creating opportunities for audiences to experience the people, ideas and projects shaping contemporary culture.
The programme will unfold across two days, each with a distinct focus.
Day One: The Information Hub
The first day, Friday, 13 November, focuses on knowledge, industry access and practical tools for navigating the creative economy. The programme will feature The Bloo-Grape Hackathon, a high-energy creative pitch competition challenging teams to develop a campaign concept alongside the practical production and financial considerations required to bring it to life.
Alongside the hackathon, audiences can expect industry discussions, workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions exploring areas such as cinema, music licensing, risk management, budgeting, curation and the evolving business of creative work.
The Information Hub will also create dedicated spaces for curated networking and industry connection, recognising that sustainable creative ecosystems are built not only through knowledge, but through relationships. It’s an opportunity to look beyond the creative idea itself and get into the realities of making it happen. From understanding the financial side of production to navigating industry relationships, Day One puts the practical business of creativity firmly in the spotlight.
Day Two: The Cultural Hub
On Saturday, 14 November, HEATSKRS CON moves into its Cultural Hub, placing creative expression, storytelling and cultural exchange at the centre of the experience. One of the key segments will be the BAI Spotlights, a live conversation series that gives audiences an opportunity to hear directly from creative practitioners and entrepreneurs about the journeys behind their work. The conversations will explore the personal, creative and entrepreneurial realities of building a sustainable career within the creative economy.
The day will also feature Early Look & Breakdown Sessions, offering audiences an opportunity to go behind the scenes of developing creative projects and gain insight into the processes, decisions and challenges involved in bringing ideas to life.
The Cultural Hub will further come alive through live performances and creative showcases; creating an environment where audiences can engage with culture beyond the traditional panel or conference format.
Across both days, HEATSKRS CON seeks to bridge the spaces between industry and culture, creativity and entrepreneurship, knowledge and opportunity.
HEATSKRS has grown into a broader ecosystem supporting creative entrepreneurship, youth development and artistic excellence within the Creative Economy. Its programming is designed to create greater access to industry knowledge, networks and opportunities while strengthening connections between creatives, audiences and the wider sector.
With HEATSKRS CON 2026, that vision continues through a programme that asks audiences not only to consume culture, but to better understand how it is made, who makes it and what is required to sustain the people and ecosystems behind it.
HEATSKRS CON 2026
13–14 November 2026
Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Save the dates and be part of the conversation. Follow HEATSKRS and BAI Foundation for programme updates and ticketing information.
Tickets are available at Quicket.
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