Olly Arkins (they/them) is the Managing Director of the Australian Festival Association (AFA), the national peak industry body for festival promoters and suppliers. The AFA was formed in 2018 in response to the NSW government attempts to regulate music festivals out of existence and has since grown significantly in both membership and influence.

With over a decade of experience in public policy, communications, and government relations, Olly has a background as a political adviser across NSW, Victoria, and Canberra, and in government affairs for Live Nation Australia and New Zealand.

Olly has been instrumental in growing the AFA’s membership and influence, championing sustainable festival businesses amidst regulatory challenges and industry shifts