1. Centre for Challenge Prizes

London
April 25^th – and onwards
Visit Website

Creative industry body Nesta and the Department of Business have joined forces to offer a prize to whoever can first, or most effectively, meet a defined challenge, likely to be spelt out at the launch event this morning. Netflix and other big names have launched similar initiatives to boost their business, but the CCP will want individuals to “tackle social and technological challenges [that are] in the public interest.”

2. Wealth Matters

London
May 17th
Visit Website

Make more of your own money with this financial surgery, aimed at well-heeled freelancers, contractors and self-employed professionals. Organised by an IFA, the focus of the free seminar will be on freelance-centric financial issues, such as IR35, cash-flow and future contract-winning. Chartered accountant Baker Watkin will be on hand to take questions.

3. Guardian Activate

New York
May 3^rd
Visit Website

A line up of the world's most influential and inspirational figures will discuss and debate the potential of the web to drive a more connected, creative and cohesive planet. Taking place at NYC's Paley Media Centre, some NGOs and start-ups attending the hopefully seminal event can qualify for discounted tickets with a multiple booking.

4. The Independent’s Travel Photography Competition

UK
Now until Sep 14^th 2012
Visit Website

Prizes that no photographer will sniff at are up for grabs in the newspaper’s travel photo contest – requiring three digital or print photos that “capture the essence” of a place or travel destination. Any snap taken since January this year is eligible, but submissions must reach the organisers by September 14^th 2012.

5. The Festival Social 

London
May 1st
Email organiser

The Association of Independent Festivals is putting on a night of networking and live music - The Festival Social. Aiming to create a forum for informal dialogue among the festival business, AIF will invite the sector’s movers and shakers to join them once a month for musical merry-making, festival-related launches and a bit of headliner gossip.

6. Business for Breakfast South Cambs

Cambridge
May 1^st
Visit Website

A relaxed but structured event for business folk in Cambridgeshire who want to be found by referrals, or who want to make new contacts through networking and meeting like-minded enterprising types.

7. Luxury Brands Event

Manchester
May 2^nd
Visit Website

Early registration is recommended for this one-day event dedicated to luxury brands; their shift to the East, their rise in the Middle East and Asia and the potential for British brands to exploit growing markets. Which advertising campaigns have been successful in the sector, and why, will also be revealed.

8. What has Google ever done for PR?

London
May 3rd
Visit Website

An exploration of the search leader’s influence on public relations, as a practice and as an industry. Organised by the CIPR, the exploration will be led by Andrew Smith of Escherma, a specialist online PR, SEO and analytics consultancy.

9. Money-making ideas competition

Online
Opens May 11th
Visit Website (Facebook page)

One enterprising type will receive £10,000 to turn their dream into a commercial reality, thanks to the competition by personal asset lender borro. Submit a 60-second video, or elevator pitch, to be in with a chance of winning. Runners-up will be connected to 'A-list' business mentors.

10. Product Design + Innovation

London
May 29-30th
Visit Website

Leading brands will be sharing the secrets of successful design strategy at the second annual Product Design + Innovation conference. Admired figures from the world of design consultancy, including Dick Powell, Gadi Amit and Morten Warren, will address delegates. Access to the co-located Plastics Design & Moulding conference and exhibition is extended to attendees.