Festival director lists 28 attempts to exploit event organisers

The director of the Kuopio Dance and Music Festival, Salima Peippo, has publicly listed 28 examples of attempts to financially exploit event organisers, in a post on LinkedIn.

Peippo, who has led the festival since 2022, described the incidents as “classic” attempts at exploitation, including leaving unpaid hotel room charges and bringing extra guests to accommodation booked by organisers. She did not specify whether she had personally encountered the examples or link them to individuals or events.

In a text message to Yle, Peippo declined to elaborate, stating there was no need to identify those involved. She added that such issues are not new and are faced by all event organisers.

Other Finnish festival organisers reported few problems with exploitation. The Helsinki Festival Foundation’s production manager, Maria Silvast, said strict contracts prevent misuse. Ilosaarirock’s CEO, Niina Hattunen, noted that detailed agreements cover all costs, including hotel stays, while Kaustinen Folk Music Festival’s director, Valtteri Valo, said they require named lists and personal ticket applications to avoid abuse.

Some organisers, including Kaustinen and the Helsinki Festival Foundation, receive occasional requests for free tickets, though many of their events are free to attend. Ilosaarirock does not distribute free tickets but offers accreditation to media and influencers in exchange for coverage.