The government’s announcement to restrict work and social gatherings is a major set-back for the event sector, that has not been able to operate since March.

“The news that business events can no longer commence on 1st October is devastating news for our industry,” explains David Harris, Managing Director of The Production People. 

“The prospect of business events restarting was a glimmer of hope for our sector and now it could be another six months until we work again.

“The events industry is worth £70 billion to the UK economy and employs circa 700,000 people, as well as a vast network of freelancers. 

“In order to survive we need financial support right now, so on 30th September we will be campaigning in a global day of action – which carries the hashtag #WeMakeEvents and #StandAsOne.

Plans are afoot to campaign for government support. On the 30th September the global event industry will unite over social media using the hashtag #WeMakeEvents and #StandAsOne.

“We will be demanding business grants, an extension of the furlough scheme and self-employment support for our valued freelancers.  

“We are asking companies and venues to get involved by lighting their building, or landmark in red. Images can be shared on social media on 30th September with the hashtags #WeMakeEvent and #StandAsOne.”

Need a Professional Lighting Company?

Any UK venue’s that would be interested in taking part, and require the services of a professional lighting company, should call The Production People on 01264 889 934 or email info@theproductionpeople.com.

The public too can get involved, by sharing posts and images of buildings lit in red on social media, with the hashtags #WeMakeEvent and #StandAsOne.

What is Stand As One and We Make Events?

The ‘Stand as One’ campaign is the third phase in the #WeMakeEvents movement. It was initially formed by the UK event industry’s membership body, PLASA, to raise awareness of a sector that is under threat due to Covid-19 restrictions. 

The first phase of #WeMakeEvents in July saw over 700 buildings across the UK lit in red. Since then, it gained momentum.

The second phase took place on 11^th August, which saw over 4,000 event professionals congregate at socially distant outdoor meetings in multiple locations. In Manchester technicians pushed flight cases along the streets. Meanwhile, in London, event professionals lined the banks of the River Thames, as a boat equipped with a video wall, lighting and live music sailed the water’s path.

The Production People, who supply technical production services for global conferences, exhibitions and trade shows, has been involved in the last two phases of the #WeMakeEvents initiative and is ready and raring to go for the next.

Having seen the outstanding efforts of the UK event industry, various #WeMakeEvents campaigns have taken place globally.

Now, the world’s events industry will unit for a global day of action – ‘Stand As One’ – on 30^th September.

The Events Sector Abandoned

“As a sector, we feel utterly abandoned,” says Harris. “Redundancies have already commenced for large event firms, and I’m certain others will be preparing to close the doors for good this autumn. Yet, we have watched on as other industries have restarted with government incentives, such as the ‘Eat Out Help Out’ initiative for pubs and restaurants. 

“Our hope now is that the government will hear our ‘Stand As One’ pleas on 30th September and begin to react to an industry crying out for financial help. 

“Not only do we significantly contribute to the UK economy, but we support other industries through conferences, concerts, festivals, business events, exhibitions, private functions, product launches and much more. The least we can do is support the #WeMakeEvents global initiative right here in Hampshire.” concludes Harris.

To enquire about technical production for the #WeMakeEvents ‘Stand As One’ initiative, contact The Production People on 01264 889 934, or email info@theproductionpeople.com.