Event industry campaigns unite in joint taskforce
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Three campaigns have aligned to form the new body: the PLASA-initiated We Make Events along with Let the Music Play and We Create Experiences. They are joined by three trade organisations - the Business Visits and Events Partnerships (BVEP) which represents the conference, exhibition and outdoor events sector and is hoped to liaise directly with government; the UK Live Music Group which represents the UK’s live music industry, and PLASA.
Simon Hughes, chair of the BVEP comments: “Many different industry sectors will be looking to government for additional help and assistance in the next few weeks, alongside the more public/corporate targeting with the narrative of confidence and expertise. So it will be critical to ensure that messaging with the various target audiences are aligned across the extended ecosystem that comprises the whole of the event industry in the UK and the extensive supply chain that supports many thousands of livelihoods and enriches the lives of millions of people from all parts of society.”
Greg Parmley, chair of UK Live Music Group, adds: “With a long dark winter ahead for many in the arts, culture and events spaces, it’s imperative that we work closely together. Bringing the campaigns under one collective cross group addresses the need to communicate both short and medium-term tactics as well as the longer term plans required to support the industry.”
"PLASA started the #We Make Events campaign in May 2020 as a response to our members’ plight. We are immensely proud of how this has galvanised into over 22 trade bodies, along with thousands of industry professionals from over 28 countries, all working together voluntarily to create awareness of the whole events supply chain and the urgent need for financial support,” says PLASA MD Peter Heath. “The alignment of the major hashtags allows us all to communicate more, maximise our efforts and streamline our voice to government."
Meanwhile, Paul Jones, who has been actively involved with the freelance community through the UK live event freelancers forum, will serve as chair for the taskforce. He says: “This is just the start of what we all hope will be the way forward and give you all a powerful voice that is unified across the sector whatever your role is. These specific campaigns and people for across the industry will be pushing government from one point instead of individually - from live events to theatre, music venues to artists, corporate to exhibitions and everything in between. There is a concerted effort now for us all.”
To support the campaign, visit mustbeonit.com/oneindustryonevoice.
