FUN
FUN is our annual conference. Born in Berlin, it has grown into the largest event of its kind in Europe, and the biggest thing we do.
Originally called Freelance Unlocked, the conference became FUN when Freelance Unlocked evolved into the broader brand. The new name is short, bold and captures our belief that learning, connecting and growing should be enjoyable. Besides, “FU” didn’t look particularly good on a poster.
Production schedule
The conference takes place in June, when tickets for the following edition also go on sale.
From June to November, we develop the next edition while continuing to use the existing visual identity. In November, the new theme launches in one coordinated switch across the website, social media and campaign materials. It stays in use until the next conference.
All events are named after the year they take place in, including satellite events.
Designing an edition
Each edition has its own creative direction, built on the institutional identity. The theme informs its logo, colours, shapes, central element and applications.
We also keep at least one recognisable element from the previous edition. It might be a colour, a layout, a shape or a signature detail. Sometimes, keeping an existing logo or palette is the right choice.
These decisions are documented in the edition’s guide and approved before production. See Logo and Visual identity for the individual elements.
Picking a theme
An annual theme should give FUN a fresh, relevant perspective on independent work. It should spark curiosity, resonate with freelancers, and provide a creative foundation for the year’s identity and experience.
Start with something freelancers actually care about
Draw from real ambitions, frustrations, contradictions or opportunities in freelance life. Look at what’s happening in work and culture right now to find an angle that feels timely and relatable.
Have a point of view, not just a topic
A theme should say something interesting, ask a provocative question or reveal a relatable tension. Avoid generic subjects like “The Future of Work” or broad motivational statements.
Stay true to FUN’s character
The theme should connect naturally to at least one of our four brand pillars. It doesn’t need to represent all four equally, but should feel consistent with our values.
Be specific enough to resonate, broad enough to explore
A theme should offer a recognisable idea without dictating the conference programme. It should accommodate different professions and conversations, from AI and business growth to creativity, relationships and wellbeing.
Make it memorable and creatively rich
Favour short, conversational, confident language over corporate jargon. A good theme should be easy to remember, invite curiosity and inspire a distinctive visual world, campaign and on-site experience.
Example: Connect the dots to your freedom
A sample theme, not an approved one.
Freelancing gives people independence, but connections help make that independence possible. The theme could explore how meeting other freelancers opens up choices in work and life.
“Connect the dots to your freedom”
Dots and connecting forms could give the theme a visual language, with circles and half circles that come together in different ways. See Visual identity for the sample carried through a whole system.