UK - A national campaign is being launched to educate young people about the vast range of exciting career opportunities available in the live events sector.
The campaign is being coordinated by events technology provider Adlib in partnership with key industry organisations such as PLASA, The Power of Events (UK), Production Futures and LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment), a federation of live music associations.
Adlib has produced a 20-minute film which highlights the myriad of different jobs within a dynamic industry that is currently estimated to be worth over £70b to the UK economy.
Andy Dockerty, Adlib’s founder and director, says: “The events industry is one of the largest sectors in the UK with many of its specialisms developing rapidly. Most elements of the delivery of live events are unknown outside of the events industry and consequently not made available as an option to young people. As an industry we need to be directly engaging with schools, colleges, universities, local authorities, and Government to enable us to get the message out there about the fantastic opportunities and careers in the live events industry which isn’t just about the performers”.
The film specifically captures what goes into the staging of a major live music event and focuses on all the various specialisms that are needed to deliver a successful project from the initial communication to the finished delivery.
Andy, who is also vice-chair of PLASA and a member of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, adds: “On completing the film, we were delighted that industry-established organisations were keen to work together to collectively ensure school children from 12 upwards have a far greater awareness of the live events Industry”.
Leading showcase organisation The Power of Events were keen to collaborate with Adlib to distribute and support the film as part of their recently launched UK-wide school’s engagement programme. Founder Rick Stainton comments: “This brilliant video will add an additional invaluable layer of engagement and education to young people in our nationwide programme to encourage them to consider the UK Events Industry as a viable career – the insight into the huge range of jobs roles on offer will match their broad variety of backgrounds and interests.”
Sophie Beasor, head of operations & engagement, adds: “The Power of Events is thrilled to lend its unique cross-seven sector reach to The Making of Live Events campaign. The video and related content will help reaffirm the industry’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of event professionals across the UK as part of The Power of Events’ Schools Engagement Programme.”
Production Futures an established leader in linking education to industry will utilise Adlib’s film as part of their initiative to inspire young people into careers behind the scenes of stage and screen. CEO Hannah Eakins says: “Production Futures is excited to collaborate with Adlib, LIVE, PLASA and The Power of Events on this important mission to highlight all hidden job roles across the production industry. We can’t wait to share the video with our diverse community of young people, parents, teachers, tutors, career advisors and production newcomers.”
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE, says his organisation will help to ensure, through its communication and lobbying infra-structure, that the film and the industry will be represented at Government levels. He says, “Live music brings joy to millions and is economically significant. Delivering gigs, festivals and tours needs a dedicated, expert team supporting the talent on stage. Raising awareness of the range of roles available, and the routes into those roles, can only strengthen our sector. Congratulations to Adlib for leading on this excellent initiative that will help foster the next generation of off-stage talent.”
Meanwhile, Andy Dockerty says PLASA will liaise directly with the industry to develop ‘work experience’ opportunities with sector members. “This industry collaboration is a huge commitment from the sector to inspire young people and to make them aware of the vast opportunities available to them across this incredible industry.”
Adlib’s film (http://liveevents.careers/) is being launched at PLASA Show 2024 this week and will then be showcased at events around the UK over the next 12 months.
