Why the Laughter Economy Matters opens the inaugural Business of Comedy Conference with a bold and timely conversation about comedy’s cultural, social and economic impact.

Moderated by Dr Louise Mahler, this opening session brings together an influential panel including Nina Taylor MP, Dr Mark Gibson and Wilbur Wilde. Each offers a unique perspective from government, academia and the entertainment industry, creating a dynamic and wide-ranging discussion.

The session begins by spotlighting Melbourne’s global reputation as a comedy capital, driven in large part by the success of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Nina Taylor MP outlines the significant economic contribution of the creative industries, sharing compelling data that positions comedy as a driver of tourism, job creation and city vibrancy. Her insights reinforce the idea that when comedy thrives, communities and economies benefit.

Dr Mark Gibson expands on this by exploring the complexities of measuring comedy as an industry. While comedy spans live performance, television, film, social media, advertising and beyond, it is rarely recognised as a standalone sector. This lack of clear measurement, he argues, limits its visibility and potential for growth despite its substantial economic footprint.

Wilbur Wilde brings a deeply personal and industry-grounded perspective, reflecting on decades of experience across television, music and live performance. He highlights the cultural importance of comedy as a tool for connection, resilience and storytelling, while also pointing to the challenges performers face in building sustainable careers.

A key theme throughout the session is the need for stronger infrastructure for comedy, including the idea of a dedicated “home” or hub. The panel explores the gap between comedy’s proven economic value and the lived reality of many comedians, raising important questions about funding models, industry pathways and long-term sustainability.

The conversation also addresses tensions within the sector, from commercial versus grassroots models to the challenge of supporting emerging talent while maintaining industry growth. These discussions underline the complexity of positioning comedy as both an artform and a business.

Created by Morry Morgan, founder of Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School, the Business of Comedy Conference brings together voices from across the industry to shape the future of comedy.

Learn more about The Business of Comedy Conference by visiting www.businessofcomedy.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.