Stand Out Magazine Summer 2021

Summer 2021

www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

EVENT NEWS • EVENT EXPERIENCE • EVENT TENDERS

TESTING TIMES Goodwood FoS • Euro 2020 • G7 • Royal Ascot Manchester Arena Inquiry • Ryder Cup • Tenders

Event Buyers Live is a “great way to meet and

network with other industry professionals, the event is focused and relevant.

A very well done is deserved to the organisation team for another fantastic event!

Judgeday

”

29 NOV - 1

Buyers Live was an “Event excellent opportunity

to network and meet new suppliers. Alongside the great roundtable sessions, invaluable time was spent with fellow event professionals in an amazing setting Culture Liverpool

”

The place to “

Event Buyers Live is the perfect platform to help our company expand its network of support from both suppliers and other event organisers. Off the back of EBL our company is now looking into running a local festival, and we have had a huge amount of support from some of the suppliers about the idea.

Event Buyers Live is just a great overall place to do business!

Making it a Success

”

www.eventbu

This was my first time at “Event Buyers Live and I

really didn’t know what to expect. I often find networking a little frustrating as it is now always very productive. This was refreshingly different, I found the organiser’s dinner just as useful as the supplier meetings Grace and Tailor

1 DEC 2021

”

Buyers Live is the “Event new wave of industry

networking. Not only is it a superb opportunity to meet all of the suppliers I’m interested in, it is also a great opportunity to meet my peers in the industry, share and learn from their experiences.

I’ll be back!

20-20 Events

”

do business has shaped up to “beInawhat busy start to the year, it was definitely worth carving out a few days to attend! Some great suppliers were met, some even better connections were made, in a beautiful setting with great hosts!

Wasserman

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uyerslive.com

“

Event Buyers Live has by far been the best networking event that we have ever attended, the staff were amazing, and it was very well organised. EBL is a must for all event organisers and suppliers Motorshow Events

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EDITOR’S LETTER

SUMMER 2021

R

egular readers of Stand Out magazine will know that I spend much of my time talking to events professionals about the highs and lows of event organising. The big wins and the small.

As well as the challenges. Often, event organisers and suppliers will tell me that communication really is the key to good events and it’s a statement that is always preceded by “It sounds cliché but…”

Well, guess what… this month, having had the pleasure of talking to the event and operation teams at Liverpool City Council, Royal Ascot, Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the importance of communication has been singled out once again.

It’s abundantly clear that good comms and clear messaging are what has, and will, get us through the next few months.

As I write, the Government has confirmed that events and festivals in England can operate at full capacity from July 19 and has published new guidance for events professionals on how to run safe events in Step 4. Already, it has caused some confusion and frustration.

Thankfully, the conversations I have had could not have been more clear. Every organiser has singled out communication and messaging as key to their success.

Whether that’s instructing contractors to delays on information or advising attendees on conditions of event entry. I know that communication is not the only secret to event organising. Nor is this statement revolutionary. But it is essential if we want to keep the cogs turning. Albeit at a slower than usual pace.

Happy reading,

Cover image: Liverpool City Council

@standoutmag

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contents

43 15 Event Buyers Live will take

place from November 29 until December 1

19 The Prime Minister has

confirmed that lockdown restrictions will end on July 19

23 What was it like to work

on one of the Government’s first pilot events? Culture Liverpool’s Susan Lees and Andy McNicholl explain

33 Stand Out goes behind the scenes at Goodwood Festival

15

19

23

33

52

55

of Speed, a pilot event in the Events Research Programme

43 Ascot, the Lawn Tennis

Association and Jack Morton discuss the intricacies of organising Royal Ascot, the cinch Championships and UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zones

52 In 2023, Rome will

host the Ryder Cup for the first time. Paul Dunstan, operations director, reveals the impact COVID-19 has had on event planning

55 Identity delivered the G7 Summit in Cornwall. Michael Gietzen, MD of Identity, talks through the finer details of the high-profile event 58 Eric Stuart, director of Gentian Events, assesses the findings of Volume One of the Manchester Arena Inquiry 69 Where will the next generation of event managers come from? John Tasker, director at Massive, discusses the launch of Event People

07

First class Resilience, Readiness, Communication & Control for incidents or pre-planned events.

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NEWS TLT secures Equinox licence for Glastonbury Festivals UK law firm TLT has secured the Equinox licence for Glastonbury Festivals.

The final licence contains all of the organiser’s requests, including noise provisions that will allow visitors to enjoy a great experience when they attend the new 50,000 capacity show at Worthy Farm in September.

TLT, which has advised Glastonbury Festivals on

its licences since 2010, supported the team with its licence application and represented them at a series of high-profile application hearings.

The licence has more than 50 conditions and the application was particularly high profile and complex due to ongoing health and safety concerns under the global pandemic.

DEAG strengthens UK position with acquisition of Let’s Rock promoter, UK Live Deutsche Entertainment Aktiengesellschaft (DEAG) is accelerating its international expansion by acquiring 90 per cent of the shares of the British promoter and event organiser, UK Live, via its subsidiary Kilimanjaro.

UK Live has been established in the market as

an event promoter for more than 10 years and is known for organising the Let’s Rock series of events in 14 locations across the UK. The company’s founders, Nick Billinghurst and Matt Smith, will stay on board as shareholders and will continue to manage the company in the long term.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta changes direction for 2021 The organiser of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has taken the decision to change its plans for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate in 2021. Instead, it is planning to deliver “Fiesta Fortnight” with flypasts and ballooning spectaculars this August.

A statement read: “We understand this will be a disappointment to our visitors, as well as the various businesses and organisations

across the city and region that benefit from the economic impact of the event taking place. It really is not a decision that we have taken lightly.

“We are determined to continue to put a show on for the city and we will deliver a number of launches across the city and region during the first two weeks of August.

These events will be designed for the public to enjoy at a distance, from their homes and communities.”

Isla has launched proseed, a universal framework for delivering sustainable events.

Y Not Festival has been postponed until 2022.

Leeds’ Roundhay Park will host a new festival – Mardi Gras – Proud in the Park.

The European Commission has published new guidelines, designed to ensure the safe reopening of events and cultural activities.

A group of Black event professionals, led by events agency The Zoo XYZ, have signalled their intent to create the Association of Black Event Professionals by the end of 2021.

The Three Counties Showground has appointed Chris Eldridge as head of shows and commercial, and Jane Edwards as shows manager.

From the Fields, organiser of Kendal Calling, has cancelled the 2021 festival.

Nick Grecian has left Gallowglass Group after more than 20 years with the business.

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EvEnt tEndErs and contracts

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Looking for new event contracts?

Looking for new business? Check out these event tenders and latest contract wins Spennymoor Town Council is looking for an experienced event partner to deliver event management and stewarding for several outdoor events.

This is a three-year tender.

The deadline is 12pm on September 30. Email info@spennymoor-tc.gov.uk Leicester City Council wishes to appoint a single provider to supply, install and maintain an event ticketing system for De Montfort Hall, which hosts performances, events, shows and exhibitions.

The deadline is 10am on August 9. Email pamela. chirara@leicester.gov.uk

awarded the traffic management and car parking services contract to Stadium.

UK Parliament wishes to contract an event scaffolding and staging supplier for ceremonial works. This is a seven-year contract. The deadline is 12pm on July 20.

Interested? Email Peter Linge: LINGEP@parliament.uk

Silverstone has partnered with Halo Solutions to maximise its comms across all events at the venue. The Halo System will be used by Silverstone to connect all the different agencies on site to one system, for the first time.

With “multi-agency-logging” enabled, all agencies get their own, filtered view of what their ground team are reporting and can share those details.

Forestry England has awarded FGH Security with the security contract for seven Forest Live sites. It has also

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EvEnt BuyErs LivE

Save the date De Vere EMCC and Orchard Hotel

Save the date – Event Buyers Live, November 29 – December 1, 2021

G

et your diaries out #eventprofs.

Stand Out magazine, the organiser of Event Buyers Live, can exclusively reveal new dates for the 2021 edition of the business event that brings together event organisers and industry suppliers.

Event Buyers Live 2021 will take place from November 29 – December 1 at De Vere EMCC and Orchard Hotel.

The 2021 edition of Event Buyers Live will be the event’s seventh outing and will welcome only 100 of the live event industries most respected organisers. Accompanying the 100 will be just 45 event suppliers and venues for three productive days of networking and prequalified meetings.

Neil Fagg, event director of Event Buyers Live, explained: “The events industry has experienced the most unbelievably difficult 18 months. Businesses have been hit hard but the events industry has rallied. We’re resilient and our amazing industry has shown nothing but strength, determination and resourcefulness.

“Looking to the future, I have no doubt that event organisers and event suppliers will welcome opportunities to network and discuss the lessons learned and experiences of the last 18 months. I sincerely believe that Event Buyers Live 2021 will provide that opportunity and give events professionals the chance to sit down with each other and discuss exciting project and procurement requirements for 2022 and beyond.”

Come together

Event Buyers Live, which facilitates prearranged one-on-one meetings between organisers and suppliers, will take place at De Vere EMCC and Orchard Hotel. It features a host of facilities that will be exclusive to guests.

Fagg continued further: “We are working hard with the venue and our partners to make Event Buyers Live the best one yet. After such a tough year, the event will give experienced event professionals the chance to come together, talk and support each other. Event Buyers Live will facilitate these conversations in a safe environment with all appropriate measures being met.”

Time to focus

Event Buyers Live 2021 will take place over three days, giving event professionals even more opportunities to share best practice and network. Fagg concluded: “We know that time out of the office is precious and open to scrutiny but previous attendees have repeatedly told us that Event Buyers Live is of great value. Given the extraordinary experiences of the last 18 months, Event Buyers Live 2021 will be the place to regroup, refocus and reenergise for the exciting times ahead of us in an environment that is not only relaxed but safe and conducive to business.”

To register your interest in attending Event Buyers Live 2021, call 01795 509113 or visit www.eventbuyerslive.com

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Reopening Roadmap

Back to business Images © Yvette de Wit/Aranxa Esteve/Unsplash

Back to full capacity

The Prime Minister has confirmed that lockdown restrictions will end on July 19 and events and festivals in England can return to full capacity. The news has been welcomed, but frustration, relief and anger remain. What’s clear is that the events industry still needs clarity. Industry professionals give their reaction

T

he last four weeks have been a tumultuous time for the events industry. When the Prime Minister revealed in June that Step 4 of the reopening roadmap would be delayed, his announcement was met with frustration and anger.

Now, the Government has announced the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, allowing the reopening of full capacity events in England from July 19.

The announcement has been welcomed by event organisers, suppliers and industry associations. However, whilst most legal restrictions will be lifted, caution remains with #eventprofs verbalising frustration and relief.

Codes and passes

The Government has confirmed that all remaining closed businesses and venues will be able to reopen, all capacity limits at

sporting, entertainment, or business events will be lifted and hospitality venues will no longer be required to provide table service or follow social distancing rules. The two-metre social distancing rule will end and the requirement to wear face coverings in law will be lifted.

Savid Javid MP, the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, revealed the new rules and warned that it is important for everyone to act with caution and personal responsibility.

The Government is encouraging and supporting businesses and large events to use the NHS COVID Pass in high-risk settings.

If sufficient measures are not taken to limit infection, the Government will consider mandating certification in certain venues at a later date. Businesses are also encouraged to continue displaying QR codes for customers wishing to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app, or to continue collecting customer contact details to support NHS Test and Trace.

19

Reopening Roadmap

Time to get back to business

However, from July 19, this will no longer be a legal requirement. Instead, responsibility is being placed in the hands of each organisation.

Consistency needed

Prior to the Prime Minister’s confirmation that COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted, Stand Out talked to a number of event organisers about how they delay to Step 4 of the reopening roadmap impacted their business.

Alissa Koopal- Brown, chief executive officer of Pennine Events, told this magazine that local authorities remained cautious about granting licences to event organisers.

Pennine Events has organised the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride for 28 years. When the roadmap delay was announced, KoopalBrown knew that she and her team could still run the event under Step 3 restrictions.

Despite submitting a comprehensive event management plan to her respective local authorities, she found that one local authority was being particularly cautious.

She said: “They wanted detail, which was fine, but they continuously raised new points, wanting nitty gritty detail. For example, it was written in our plans that we would remind participants to wear a mask, where appropriate, and to remember to socially distance. We would broadcast these messages over the PA system. This wasn’t enough. Three weeks’ out, the local authority wanted the whole script.”

Koopal-Brown believes that local authorities remain cautious because they fear reputational risk. However, the problem is that all local authorities have a different approach. There is no consistency with some local authorities wanting organisers to implement additional measures even though they would not make any difference to an event.

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Working safely confusion

It is clear that extra guidance and support is needed. The Government has said that all businesses should follow the principles set out in the Working Safely guidance and take reasonable steps to mitigate any risks identified. However, the British Safety Council believes that while the withdrawal of some regulations is valid, removing the mask mandate is the wrong decision to take now and risks real danger to workers. It also believes that delegating the decision on the wearing of masks to individuals risks chaos and confusion, as organisations and businesses interpret the change differently and impose their own rules.

According to Tom Clements, president of National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA), clear and unambiguous guidance is required.

He said: “What is important now, for the events industry is that, following this announcement, clear and unambiguous guidance is passed down to local authorities to allow them to work with event organisers on licensing events.”

In the last 24 hours, the Government has published updated Working Safely guidance, outlining a number of “recommendations”.

On reading the guidance, it is clear that the onus is being placed on the event owner.

But two things are also evident. Many of the recommendations have long been predicted by organisers and take a common sense approach to risk management. But the advice surrounding local authority powers is far from clear. In fact, it’s baffling.

As it stands, the guidance causes confusion.

The events industry can only hope that further clarification will be provided in the coming days and weeks so that the sector can get back to doing what it does best – delivering amazing live events and festivals in safe environments that wow, engage and inspire.

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Liverpool City Council

Testing times What was it like to work on the Government’s pilot events? Here, Susan Lees and Andy McNicholl, city events managers at Culture Liverpool, provide a local authority perspective

Images © Liverpool City Council

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LiverpooL City CounCiL

Sefton Park pilot

“Y

ou know you’re back in events mode when it’s 4pm, you’re having lunch and lunch is a chocolate bar and a packet of crisps,” says Susan Lees, city events manager at Culture Liverpool.

Lees is talking to Stand Out just days after Festival Republic’s Sefton Park pilot event, which saw Blossoms play to a 5,000-strong crowd. She is joined by Andy McNicholl, also city events manager at Culture Liverpool. Both are in good spirits. But a little tired.

Despite buckets of coffee, both Lees and McNicholl agree that the pilot on May 2 has confirmed that they are not “match ready”.

But that doesn’t matter because being back in a field “feels like coming back to a new job”.

During the pandemic, both were redeployed and helped other council departments.

“Both of us felt a little out of practice,” comments McNicholl, quite openly. “We got a call into event control on the night of the pilot saying that the local train station had closed. I got this tense feeling in my chest. I was like ‘Oh, I’ve not felt this in a while’. And I think we’ve had half a brain between us when it has come to remembering names. There’s been a lot of ‘you know who I mean’.

Lees and McNicholl laugh. Whilst they do have a light hearted jest about their recent

24

experiences, and the time it is taking them to bounce back from a run of pilot events, their sheer delight at being back on an event site, delivering events and supporting promoters, is abundantly evident.

Had to be involved

Conversations about being a potential location for pilot events began before Christmas.

Conversations really “got going” in January and February but confirmation of the Sefton Park gig did not come until a month out.

Liverpool City Council’s participation in mass and community testing pilots in November meant that the city was already well equipped to manage the mass testing element that was a key requirement of entry for the pilot events.

Furthermore, 48 per cent of Liverpool’s income comes from tourism, including events – the authority desperately wanted to be involved.

Lees explains: “Our team had been redeployed to run Liverpool’s asymptomatic test site from November through to April.

Andy had gone back into events, as we were starting to get enquiries from organisers. Just as we thought we were getting out of the mass testing world the pilots came up. It made sense for me to take on the testing elements and run the test centre and Andy led on the event side.”

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Sefton Park pilot, music fans had to apply for a ticket, fill out a health questionnaire and consent to being part of an “experiment”.

Thirty-six hours before the event they had to visit the test centre and take a COVID test. If they tested positive, they could not attend the show. If they tested negative, their ticket was generated. Additional checks were also put in play at the gates.

McNicholl continues: “One of the challenges we had was having a different ticketing system and a testing system and getting the systems and data to talk to each other. Challenges around GDPR also came into play.”

Lees and McNicholl’s advice, based on their event experiences. Testing could not be done on the day. “We knew that the testing side would work,” Lees continues. “We had lived and breathed it for months. With regards to events, we know people that are at the top of their game so from an events perspective there was never a worry.”

She adds: “Some things were out of our control. As event managers, we’re all control freaks but we couldn’t control how the data talked to each other within two systems that haven’t been used before. That’s when you do put your trust in others that do know.”

Put your trust in others

Together, we can get there

“This was one of the toughest gigs that we have ever done,” McNicholl adds, talking about the Sefton Park pilot. “For all kinds of reasons. The very essence of having to do an event with a science experiment was always going to have challenges. We still had to make sure that the pilot was an event. It was no good having all of the science stuff and the COVID stuff if the event didn’t work. We had to achieve a balance because you were still providing an experience for people.”

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Government, Festival Republic and Liverpool City Council all came at the event from slightly different angles and for slightly different reasons. The sheer number of stakeholders involved meant that things changed every day. Thankfully, the Government and the science teams heeded

Testing was not the only measure that was under close scrutiny during the Sefton Park pilot. Queuing systems at bars and toilets, transaction times, the wearing of masks and crowd behaviour were all analysed.

“Some local councillors did challenge us as to why we were taking part in the pilots,” continues McNicholl. “Also, we needed joint agency approval. They had a degree of nervousness and quite rightly; they wouldn’t be doing their job otherwise. But we all agreed and said: ‘this could be a challenge but let’s see what we can do’.”

According to Lees, the pilot events have shown that you cannot put a price on relationships, especially the ones “who will answer the phone to me and Andy at 9pm”.

Moving forward, the sharing of knowledge and experience will be key, says Lees. She

27

LiverpooL City CounCiL

Happy to be back

continues: “We must share everything that we know and support each other. That will get us through this. Myself and Andy will shout from the rooftops about everything that we have learned to get the industry up and running again. It’s important to be honest.

“We all know how to put on events and many of us now have an understanding of COVID, so together we can get there.”

Feeling positive

Following the pilots, Liverpool City Council fed back to DCMS. In total, the city hosted four hugely successful events as part of the national Events Research Programme (ERP), with a total of 13,258 people attending The Good Business Festival, two nightclub events – The First Dance – hosted by Circus and the Sefton Park pilot.

Five people with COVID were identified before the events and did not attend; four people were later identified as possibly having the virus at an event; and a further eight people were identified with the virus 4-7 days after they attended an event. Of the people who tested positive at or after an event, two attended the festival, ten attended the nightclub and none attended the business event. Many of the cases were friends who meet regularly and may not have been infected at an event. Everyone who tested positive was successfully followed up by the contact tracing team.

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So, what now? “As a local authority, the pilot events have given us more confidence,” McNicholl comments. “We’re quite gung-ho now. We’ve seen it work and it can work. We’re feeling positive.”

But McNicholl warns that organisers should be prepared. Early engagement with local authorities and public health teams will be paramount, as will having a plan B, C, D and E. “Organisers will need to be prepared to go to their SAG, knowing that they may have to change plans. Organisers should also get a feel for public health in their area. It is good for an organiser to understand what their pressures are. We’ve had public health on our SAGs since last summer so when we went to them with news of the pilots they didn’t run for the hills.”

However, nerves were present. Lees continues: “Once people had got over the nervousness, it was utter joy.

“After four weeks of sleepless nights, the event was absolutely worth it. To hear that roar from the crowd when the music started was spine tingling. There were tears amongst the team because over the last year, we have done everything from working in food banks to mass testing. So, to be in a field in a hi-vis with a radio was just ‘YES’.

“The next thing you see is someone spewing behind a burger van and you’re like ‘yes, we’re back’,” Lees concludes, laughing.

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Goodwood Festival oF speed

Need for speed Stand Out goes behind the scenes at Goodwood Festival of Speed Image © Jayson Fong

W

hen Jenny Godding, general manager of Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS), heard the news that FoS was going to be a pilot event and take part in the Government’s Events Research Programme, she breathed a sigh of relief.

For weeks, Godding, her team and a bounty of event contractors had been on site building the immense amount of temporary infrastructure needed for the motorsport behemoth.

She explained: “Our contractors put a lot of faith in us. We had already begun building our site when the reopening roadmap delay announcement was made. This created a lot of unknowns. At that time, we were not an official pilot event but conversations [to be one] had started. The delay made people nervous. Our suppliers kept asking: ‘Are we building or not?’ and we just said: ‘Keep building, keep building’.”

Godding and her team, including Natalie Vaughan, operations manager at FoS, started planning FoS in autumn/winter. Contingency plans ranged from A to Z. As more guidance was released, these plans were narrowed down to A, B and C. The team made decisions to spread content out, add a bridge and run FoS’ indoor areas – such as hospitality – under Step 3 restrictions. So, when the Government released more guidance, and even if the pilot

Goodwood Festival of Speed

event had not been agreed, the organising team had already done the majority of the leg work; they had predicted that some restrictions would be in place and had taken a measured approach to planning.

Good moves

On June 21, it was announced that Goodwood FoS would be an official pilot event. The planning undertaken during the winter months helped enormously. Decisions around infrastructure and crowd flow had already been made that would allow motorsport fans to feel comfortable and safe. For example, an extra footbridge was added, easing the number of visitors using the main pedestrian bridge across the track. Content was spread out across the site and hospitality enclosures were split and hosted in the open air or within open-sided structures.

Godding continued: “We made decisions to spread content out, add a bridge, and even though, technically, we didn’t need to do that under the pilot, we stuck with our decisions because they were good moves.”

Keeping them in the loop

Godding and Vaughan worked closely with their safety advisory group (SAG). Together, they agreed that all outdoor space would have no restrictions. However, indoor areas would

33

Goodwood Festival oF speed

Good to be back

operate under Step 3 restrictions. Intricate details around face coverings and the rule of six had to be worked out so that the pilot event could go ahead safely.

It was a smooth process. In July 2020, Goodwood Racecourse had been in talks with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) about hosting a horse racing pilot, which was eventually cancelled and run behind closed doors. They maintained contact with DCMS and talked to them throughout.

Godding said: “We have a good relationship with our SAG and because they have gone through the racing season with us, we kept them in the loop. Even when we didn’t know what the restrictions might be, we told them what our current plan was, and went back and forth, working with them. So, it wasn’t too much of a shock when we told them that we would be working with the DCMS and be a pilot.”

Goodwood FoS opened its gates on July 8, welcoming a “slightly reduced” capacity

34

compared to a “normal” year. Yet, the site’s footprint remained the same, allowing visitors space to wonder freely.

Godding added: “We are lucky that we have 12,000 acres and even in our central area, we can accommodate our full capacity. But we dragged people further up the hill, utilising our space better and we installed an extra pedestrian bridge.”

Go with the flow

Goodwood FoS 2021 is Godding’s first as general manager, having previously worked on the event as operations manager. Vaughan has stepped into Godding’s old role and is supported by six new event planners – including Aidan Rowsell, Alex Oliver, Becky Jones and Elizabeth Morgan. Godding’s relies on Vaughan to deliver the build and operational elements whilst she looks after strategy, COVID planning and general people management.

Goodwood Festival oF speed

Goodwood FoS 2021 – a pilot event

Hillclimb start

Image © Chris Ison

“When we started building FoS, at that point we still did not know what restrictions might be,” Godding explained further. “There was no point worrying about that, you just had to react when you got the information. We learned to go with the flow.”

Even before Goodwood FoS was confirmed as a pilot event, Vaughan and her team communicated with suppliers. It was important to keep them in the loop about their work with the Government and local public health.

Information regarding the pilot came quite late. Therefore, comms was key. Godding said: “The whole way through, it’s all been about comms. For the last 18 months. We need them [contractors] as much as they need us and FoS wouldn’t happen without them.”

Vaughan commented: “Everyone has been so pleased to be back. There’s been a really good atmosphere on site. There has been excitement across the board and relief to be back on site and doing an event.”

Fast car action

Image © Dominic James

Image © Jayson Fong

Image © Drew Gibson

This year’s FoS benefitted from a new contractor management system called Verature. Vaughan and her team of planners started using the system last year. It only got a small outing though. This year, the new system has been tested to the max. In 2022, contractors will only need to refresh their documentation so accreditation and the process of submitting health and safety documentation should be even smoother.

Goodwood also uses Wrike, the online project management system. By using both systems, the Goodwood team is improving its event planning processes.

“Most of our planning has been done on Zoom,” Vaughan confirmed. “Some of the new team were even inducted and trained on Zoom but we made sure that we had regular catch ups. In April, we began a phased return to the office, as we had to get people back into a routine and as things ramped up, the team had to be together.”

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Goodwood festival of speed

Image © Chris Ison

Crowds return to Goodwood FoS

She continued: “This year, with COVID and a newer team, it has been very much a case of doing what we can. There have been a few changes and they will probably stay for next year. Some of them are a result of COVID, like the extra pedestrian bridge and the new openair enclosures, and as long as they work, I think they will stay.”

Dedicated suppliers

Both Vaughan and Godding are mindful to mention the great work that has been carried out on site by dedicated event suppliers. Small details were still being fine-tuned until gates opened. Lots of people have been involved to make Goodwood FoS 2021 a reality.

Extra cleaning has been needed, extra marshals have been put in place and extra sanitation, water and handwashing facilities have been installed thanks to MTD. Godding said: “We’ve been really lucky. We haven’t had to find new suppliers; we haven’t lost anyone. That’s just been incredible. I think that’s because we work with lots of local companies and different size companies. So, during COVID, smaller companies have been in hibernation and the larger ones did what they needed to do to get by.”

She continued: “Eventually, I think COVID will become a regular part of our event and safety planning and it will become another risk that we have to manage. Yes, there’s extra cleaning, extra marshals and lots more

38

signage but the content and the event won’t feel much different.”

Vaughan concluded: “What will be different is seeing a crowd… I can’t wait to see people enjoying what we’ve created. It will be emotional to see people enjoying what we’ve spent the last six weeks building. I can’t wait for that.”

sUpplieRs list: Temporary structures and seating – MarKey Group, GL events UK, Arena Seating, Losberger De Boer and Chichester Canvas Internal fit-out – Henson Franklyn Water – MTD Ground operations and crew – S3k Trackway – Sunbelt Rentals Furniture – Spaceworks Tower lighting – Illumin8 Toilets – Qdos, ZooLoos and Igloos Temperature control – Watkins Hire Security, stewards and H&S – The Event and Exhibition Partnership Bars and catering – Gorilla Events Pedestrian bridges – Mitchell Bridges Traffic management – SEP Flags – Fuchsia Flags IT – Deliver Events Cleaning – Green Fox Cleaning

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Sporting eventS

Royal Ascot

Good to be back Ascot Racecourse, the Lawn Tennis Association and Jack Morton discuss the intricacies of organising Royal Ascot, the cinch Championships and UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zones

J

ust 12,000 people cheered on Subjectivist, ridden by Joe Fanning, as he won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

The cheers were loud, intense. Racing fans had missed the grandeur of the prestigious event. They were pleased to be back. But like many other events, this year’s Royal Ascot was different.

For instance, Royal Ascot was an official pilot in the Government’s Events Research Programme, capacity was greatly reduced and the site layout completely changed. The team utilised just 25 per cent of the usual footprint.

And with just two weeks to go before guests were welcomed, a new director of public health took up post too.

Joanna Wales, head of venue operations at Ascot Racecourse, explained: “A number of sporting groups had been working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). They started to talk about pilots, including a racing pilot, so we put ourselves forward. We would be one of the few nonseated stadia events to take place.”

Ascot was chosen as a pilot. It was a “rollercoaster ride”. Wales and her team needed ministerial sign off, as well as SAG sign off. The Minister of State had to sign off regulations before tickets could be sold and tickets had to come off sale one week before each race day. With permissions needed and guidance to be followed, Royal Ascot was left with a 36-hour window to sell 60,000 tickets for five race days.

“We started the build on June 1 for an event that started on June 15. The final site plan wasn’t signed off until June 4 and the event was not given final sign off by the local director of public health until June 11. I got a text at midday to say the event was on.”

“People kept asking questions about whether the event would go ahead. I just had to keep saying ‘Carry on’. I didn’t want to pass on any level of uncertainty to the team. There was also the fact we had to work with a new director of public health, who had started just two weeks before the event. It was our SAG that kept saying ‘You can trust Ascot’. So, when I told our

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UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zone

CEO and COO the news that we had got sign off, I had to hold back the tears. I don’t think I realised the pressure I was under.”

Up until that point, the event could still have been turned down by the director of public health. Ascot met with them every evening of the event under the understanding that they could still say no if rates were rising, they felt that the impact Ascot was having on the local town and public transport was too risky or if they felt that Ascot was creating an unsafe event. Precise event planning was key.

Wales continued: “With every event, you change a bit. You leave the things that you know work. So, a tent will always be in one location on site but the interior will change.

This year, our site completely changed.

Normally, Royal Ascot is this vast and stunning landscape. This year, it was an exquisitely beautiful, but tiny, miniature painting. We had to work out which bits to keep and make sure that it still felt like Royal Ascot.”

Identifying needs

It was a similar story for Jennifer Motet, head of event operations at Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). She had to identify the facilities and infrastructure needed to deliver the cinch Championships at the Queen’s Club. The tennis tournament was run under Step 3 guidance.

This meant that the event could only welcome 2,300 visitors each day – usually 10,000 – including 500 in hospitality.

“The site at Queen’s is tight,” Motet said.

“We identified the facilities we needed. For example, some areas within the Club House were not appropriate for social distancing so we moved the media centre and some offices to our south pavilion.”

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With fewer visitors on site, the organising and operations team reduced hospitality covers and the number of public restaurants on site too. Some temporary structures, which were previously two-storey, became single storey, and the tournament’s main court and seating bowl featured a one-way system. Such changes were necessary. They enabled the event to go ahead under Step 3.

Motet continued further: “When the Prime Minister announced details of the reopening roadmap, it gave us the confidence. We had planned for organising the event behind closed doors but by May we knew that we could definitely go ahead.”

Motet and her team implemented a “bubble scenario”. Staff and contractors signed a health declaration before coming to site to ensure a smoother accreditation process and agreed to lateral flow testing. Visitors also signed up to conditions of entry but were not asked to provide proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test.

Communication is key

Brinda Christopher was appointed COVID medical officer of the cinch Championships and the tournament’s Tournament Infection Control Officer (TICO). She worked alongside The Event Safety Shop’s Simon Carr, COVID officer, and Simon James, health and safety officer. Together, they had responsibility for delivering a safe championships and formed just part of the vast team of contractors that delivered the tennis event, including Neptunus, Sunbelt Rentals, ATD Electrical, Igloos, MaxWiFi, Halo Solutions, Ticket Factory and Grundons.

“Communication and pre-communication were key,” said Motet. “It was important to

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Royal Ascot – a pilot event

explain to everyone – contractors, visitors and staff – what to expect when coming to site.

“I learned that it’s important to be nimble and to think about contingencies because scenarios will always come up. For example, our MC got a ping to self-isolate. Luckily, I knew someone who could step in but in a ‘normal’ event environment you wouldn’t have to think of that. It’s an important point as not just anyone can step into that niche role.”

Delivering the right experience

According to Motet, staffing was an important consideration. She had to source extra staff such as COVID officers, test and admin officers and hotel managers/assistants, who were sited at the exclusive use hotel to look after players.

This year has placed even greater pressure on teams. Staffing is a point noted by Wales too. Wales said: “It’s been a huge year for people management, taking care of people and understanding their needs. Many staff haven’t worked in an event environment for more than a year so there’s been a lot of ‘How do I do this again?’ For a lot of people, it’s been two years since they have worked at this scale.

We conducted a lot of staff training to prepare people and deliver the right experience.”

Wales contracted several event suppliers to help deliver that “right experience”, including

GL events UK, Mar-key Group, Solutions for Health, ADI and Igloos. She said it was a great experience to collaborate, especially as COVID bonded the events and racing communities.

Agile supply chain

Jim Donald, production director at Jack Morton, had a different staffing scenario. Jack Morton was contracted to deliver the official UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zones at Trafalgar Square and Potters Field on behalf of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor’s Office. This meant he had to keep staff motivated over a 31-day period. They had to be ready to adapt, as it all depended on how England performed.

He commented: “Originally, we were going to deliver two fan zones, including one at Greenwich Park. Once the tournament was postponed, plans for the fan zones were scaled back. It would not be possible to deliver a larger fan zone at Greenwich Park so we worked on plans to be smaller. Trafalgar Square was brought into the mix.”

Rather than invent the wheel, Donald and his team knew that a fan zone at Trafalgar Square could be scaled up or down so the location lent itself well to the project. Potters Field provided a great photo opportunity for UEFA and was designed as a football village. Donald said: “With social distancing the site could

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cinch Championships at Queen’s

accommodate 1,250. We created the site so that people who did come down could be seen to properly social distance.”

The site was designed to allow people to come and go and featured grass seating and bench seating. During the earlier matches, social distancing was adhered to but this changed. The option to sit on the grass was removed and extra seating was added. The site could now only accommodate 450.

Planning was complex.

“We had two cool sites with very different vibes,” Donald added. “Normal capacity at Trafalgar Square would be 10,000. When the Prime Minister announced a delay to the reopening roadmap, we had to continue with social distancing. With seating, and working round the fountains, we could host a grand total of 900 people.

“We were contracted to show all Wembley and England matches and the semi-finals and final. It has been an interesting project because it has all depended on how England progressed. Everything has depended on which way a football team kicked a ball.”

He commented further: “Originally, we thought that only two events would feature social distancing so we had the infrastructure in place to change the site and go bigger.

It was an interesting time as it meant our teams had to be ready for plans to change at

48

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short notice and we had to have an agile and experienced supply chain behind us.”

Riding the wave

MTD, ADI, NRB, KB Event, Showsec, Pylon One and Entertee supplied kit and services to Jack Morton for the UEFA Euro 2020 Fan Zones.

Donald described the project as “business as usual but with another layer of complexity and another layer of rules in play”. And despite back-to-back planning meetings on Microsoft Teams, the end result was worth it. To see fans back on site was worth the effort.

Motet concurred: “Nothing beats a major event high. Working together, with your stakeholders, to deliver something that at the time feels so hard, riding the wave and seeing sport taking place that has been missing for so long, has been wonderful. It was definitely good to be back.”

Wales agreed. She concluded: “Working on the pilot was a great experience. What we were doing supported the return of spectators to racing – this was never to generate income. It just allowed us to lose less.

“It was also exhausting. I learned a lot, I learned to be OK when you don’t always have an answer to something.

“But I also felt that we took part in something that was more than Royal Ascot and I am proud of what we achieved.”

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RydeR Cup

Soon be time for Tee The 42nd Ryder Cup in Paris

In 2023, Rome will host The Ryder Cup for the first time. Whilst the prestigious golf tournament is still two years away, what impact has COVID-19 had on planning? Here, Paul Dunstan, operations director of the Ryder Cup, reveals all COVID-19 has had a huge impact on events. What impact has the last 15 months had on you and the team?

It’s been an unusual time for everyone and if someone had said that nearly 18 months later, we’d still be working from home with restrictions in place, I probably wouldn’t have been able to comprehend it. Like many others, I was placed on furlough for three months. This was quite unnerving. However, the European Tour was great at checking in regularly and offering tips and support throughout. I was keen to try and keep a routine so set my alarm for the same time, as I normally would for work, and spent as much of the “working day” as possible doing online courses and webinars.

I’ve made quite a few contacts through this and have tried to keep an eye on relevant sports and event webinars since.

What impact has COVID-19 had on your planning for the Ryder Cup?

The last visit we made to Marco Simone Golf and Country Club – prior to the pandemic

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– was February 2020. At that point, the golf course construction had completed phase one, which was nine holes of the course, and was well underway with phase two; the remaining nine holes. Due to restrictions both in the UK and Italy, we were not able to visit for over a year. This has made planning hugely challenging. We’ve generally relied on actual visits to venues when planning the site overlay and I think this will always be the best method.

You can get a much better feeling of the flow of the site. However, based on the last year or so, we’re currently trialling site mapping software, which will enable us to plot everything and view it in 3D. It won’t replace actual site visits but will complement them during our planning.

Currently, we have the overall footprint of the site planned out in terms of transport hubs, spectator facility locations, hospitality facilities, TV compound and so on, and are now starting to work through the detailed layout of each area. It’s a really exciting time as you can start to imagine the energy and excitement of the crowd across the course.

RydeR Cup You have recently spent some time working with colleagues on the European Tour, as part of the COVID response team. Tell us more…

Mark Casey, one of the championship directors at the European Tour, has been leading the COVID response team working closely with Dr Andrew Murray, our chief medical officer, to develop our COVID policies and strategies for tournaments. When the decision was made to move the Ryder Cup [the 44th edition of The Ryder Cup was pushed back from 2022 to 2023] this allowed me some time to assist. The team now has more than 10 people working full time on it, which shows how involved it’s become!

At each of our events, we are required to have a COVID officer to oversee the “biobubble” that every sport will be familiar with. Over the last year, I’ve travelled to our events that were held in Wales, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Austria. In collaboration with the promoters of each event and local medical staff, we hold discussions with the Government and health authorities to ensure that our golfers and officials can enter the country. Together, we work through the intricacies of moving people from multiple countries to put the event on safely. A combination of pre-travel testing and fast, accurate on-site testing, bubble accommodation and strict measures at each venue have been very successful. Thankfully, any positive cases on-site have been identified quickly and contained.

Are you planning Ryder Cup 2023 with COVID in mind?

Like most event organisers, we’re keeping a close eye on the pilot events that are taking place in many countries and seeing what can be learnt. It’s brilliant to be able to watch sport again with crowds. It reflects the progress that has been made in a very short time. I’m sure when the 2023 Ryder Cup arrives, we’ll have a capacity crowd as noisy as ever. We’ll plan accordingly for whatever is required to enable that to happen. Currently, it’s too far away to predict what, if anything, we’ll still be required to do. I’m interested to see how the shift in human behaviours could have an impact on our event planning. For example, people wanting a little more space, larger outdoor dining areas and so on.

Which suppliers have you contracted for the 2023 event? Are you looking to tender any contracts?

We’re moving into the tender stage of our planning and have lots of opportunities. This year will see our larger tenders sent out, with the remaining sent out towards the end of the year and into 2022. Normally, we would try and visit a number of events to meet as many Italian suppliers as possible. However, we haven’t been able to so far, instead relying much more on Internet research and recommendations. Italians are incredibly enthusiastic and proud of their country. I’m looking forward to working closely with them to deliver what will be another brilliant Ryder Cup!

GL events UK supplied key infrastructure to Ryder Cup 2018

53

G7

The 47th G7 Summit

Reaching the Summit The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office appointed Identity to deliver the 47th G7 Summit in Cornwall this June. Read on, as Michael Gietzen, managing director of Identity, discusses the finer details of the high-profile event

M

ichael Gietzen, managing director of Identity, is grinning. It’s been a mad few months but he can relax – a little – now that he and his 100-strong project team have successfully delivered the 47th G7 Summit in Cornwall.

“It was probably one of the most complex projects I’ve worked on,” he explained. “You had Devon and Cornwall Police, which did not have experience of working on an event of this scale, a venue on the side of a cliff, a region that didn’t want you there, protests, the first International visit by a new US president, so no protocols, world leaders, social distancing, COVID-19, the delivery and integration of hybrid and virtual elements on a secure line that cannot be hacked, the eyes of the world media and the eyes of the events industry. And half way through the planning, the Queen and four other members of the Royal Family were thrown into the mix.”

Gietzen is explaining just some of the factors that had to be taken into consideration for

the annual meeting of world leaders, who had gathered at Carbis Bay in Cornwall to discuss global issues such as the economy, sustainability, health and development.

Gietzen continued: “We pitched for the G7 and got confirmation in April that we would be delivering a turnkey solution, including event management. Our remit was to deliver the event, including technical production, scenery, dressing, branding and the media centres. We also supported security and accreditation.”

Identity did not have a lot of time to plan.

“We had been planning the event since the tender process,” he added. “We wouldn’t have been able to do the job if we hadn’t but that’s standard procedure for us [Identity].”

Scenario planning

The G7 took place across six venues and locations – the Carbis Bay Estate, which hosted delegate meetings, key events and a beach BBQ, Tregenna Castle was utilised for press conferences, Falmouth hosted world media, Newquay Airport, which underwent

55

G7 infrastructure changes to allow US President Joe Biden to land in Air Force One, a backup venue, which remains secret, and the Eden Project, which hosted a dinner and reception attended by members of the Royal Family.

Paul Fitzpatrick, operations director, Simon Dunnell, head of major events Janet Dodd, head of live events, and Janet Oliver, event producer, worked alongside Gietzen to deliver the multi-faceted and high-profile event.

“For three days, we had to care for 14 world leaders, their entourages, the world media and the Royal Family,” Gietzen continued.

The pressure was on but with a 100-strong project team and an accredited crew of 1,000, Gietzen and the Identity team had it all under control. He explained: “When we met with MI5 to discuss scenario planning, they said they had planned for 146 possible scenarios. I said” ‘That’s good because we have 148’. It was about understanding the whats, the ifs and the maybes and what could happen.”

I’d have to kill you

Identity reported into the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

However, Number 10 and the Cabinet Office were huge stakeholders. Collaboration and communication were key to the successful running of the high-profile event.

“Not now, but at the time it felt like were breaking ground with all of the measures that we were putting in place – the testing regimes and the ‘bubbles’ – and at scale. But nothing phased us,” Gietzen explained.

“We broke down each section of the project and worked methodically. We had to. We were constructing structures on a beach with tidal issues and a stream that had a mind of its own.

A challenging build

56

World leaders meet

And the technical elements of this project were really interesting but I can’t tell you what they are. I’d have to kill you.”

Best feeling ever

Now, Identity is looking ahead to November when it will deliver the 26th session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). “It will be difficult to take our learnings from the G7 and apply them to COP26 when we don’t know what the climate will be in November [in terms of COVID]. I think resilience will be important. Looking after 14 world leaders was a challenge. At the moment, we are up to 127 and we already have a project team of 75,” Gietzen continued.

“Right now, I am just proud of what we have delivered; it really was an enormous project with the lens of COVID and the focus of world media. But to be back and working on a live event was the best feeling ever,” Gietzen concluded. “The vibe on site was incredible, everyone had a can-do attitude and it was great to see old faces.”

Manchester arena InquIry

Manchester City Centre

More than one risk Eric Stuart, director of Gentian Events, says that we owe it to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack to protect future event attendees in the best way that we can. But we must also remember not to focus on one area of risk. Here, he assesses the findings of Volume One of the Manchester Arena Inquiry

M

onocausal thinking, a human trait caused by recency bias and availability heuristic, means that planning groups, safety advisory groups (SAG), Police and promoters can all fall into the trap of focussing on just one area of risk.

But we must keep a 360˚lookout. We are human and we have failings. Recency bias is one of these – it makes us think that more recent events are more important and so we focus upon them. Availability heuristic causes us to focus on things that are easily recalled, such as 9/11 and other high profile aircraft disasters seen on TV, even though aeroplanes remain one of the safest forms of transport. Every time a stage collapses, a bouncy castle blows away or a case of food poisoning occurs on an event site, I know that these things

58

will be the focus of safety advisory groups in the weeks that immediately follow.

I believe that recency bias and availability heuristic or bias have influenced those involved in the Manchester Arena Inquiry (MAI) into monocausal thinking, where terrorism is the only factor needing to be considered, and worse, a specific type of attack.

Sir John Saunders, chair of the MAI, made a number of recommendations in his first report, some of them Monitored Recommendations (MRs) which are numbered and others neither monitored nor numbered. Where I refer to the latter, I do so by the nearest paragraph number in his report. It is important to say that I support many of the inquiry’s recommendations. Equally, there are some I am struggling with.

Some of those that concern me are where recommendations are made with no real way

Manchester arena InquIry

Image © William McCue

of making them reality. For instance, MR1-3 directs British Transport Police (BTP), SMG and Showsec to guard against complacency.

However, the national threat level at that time had been at “Severe” for nearly three years.

During that period, those of us who obtain counter terrorism security coordinator (CT SecCo) reports would generally be told that the threat to our events, even large-scale ones, was low or that there was “no known threat”.

They were not inaccurate. The authorities knew there were risks and so did we – they just were non-specific. With the best intent, maintaining the highest levels of alertness in people, against something that can seem so farfetched, is unlikely to succeed.

Constantly repeating the same terrorism message in briefings will have the same effect as the repetitive safety briefing that you get on an aeroplane before take-off, unintentional “switch off”. So, imagine we vary the briefings each night and focus on just one type of attack, but that night we miss out the one that is used.

Will we be found wanting for that? Of course, we still need to make sure that staff are aware of other risks – the risks of fire and smoke, the dangers of crowd crush, bogus tickets, drug dealers, monitoring young people who may be unwell or just hyped up. How many more could you add to that list of things that are real and happening every night and must be dealt with?

Oh, and of course, trying to keep the attention of someone on near minimum wage who has a full-time job or studies during the day.

Eric Stuart

Keep minds open to all threats

The MAI report suggests that terrorism consequences are so extreme that perhaps “likelihood” should be disregarded from the equation of risk assessment, so raising terror attacks to the top of the list of priorities (paragraph 8.100 onwards). I feel the need to rebut this approach in the strongest terms, especially having watched the harrowing scenes from Israel in April this year when 45 people died because insufficient attention to crowd crushing was paid. Lightning strikes, stage collapse, venue fires and crowd crushes have killed so many people – all classed in the same category of mass fatalities. In some ways, the fact that these were unintentional errors or oversight of planning rather than a deliberate attack makes them worse.

At this point, I should say I support the report, the families of the bereaved and the intention to make events safer. I will continue to fight to persuade SAGs and others to take safety more seriously but, I will not become a monocausalist – we must keep our minds open to all threats.

In the report (para 8.24), Saunders says that all suspicious activity should be monitored and action taken. Well, yes, one would hope that is the case but there are unspoken caveats. If we stopped every show, shut down entrances or exits, held doors, diverted queues or evacuated every time there was a suspicious incident or package, what chaos and potential carnage would we cause? And ultimately,

59

Manchester arena InquIry

Image © Ethan Wilkinson

Questions raised over security in the public domain

how do we deal with a suspicious man with a rucksack? Walking up and asking him what is in it is likely to lead to another awful conclusion if he is intent on doing harm. “Less death” is not a satisfactory answer to me when considering whether to deploy staff to look at suspicious behaviour. The only solution is for the deployment of armed, covert police, to deliver a close quarter head shot in attempt to avoid the pressing of a thumb on a button. Is that how we go forward in every case?

I also question why (see para 8.33) the report focuses on counter terrorism security advisers (CTSA) when the expertise for “events” is generally with CT SecCos? Or are we already accepting that this highly specialised skill is in such short supply that we need to stop talking about CT SecCos in an event context? I certainly hope not.

Pushing the security bubble

At para 8.57, the Grey Space, Last Mile or Zone Ex is discussed. After six months of evidence, expert witnesses and QCs examining witnesses, we have no proposed solution other than to say that responsibility for the proposed Protect Duty legislation should be reached by agreements and contracts and if that doesn’t work “there may need to be an enforced solution”. How can a security company, with no legal powers, enforce any security regime in the public domain? How far can we push the security bubble reach outwards? The one area where I truly hoped we might get some strong recommendations seems significantly light on any real detail.

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Making events safe

There remains a significant question over the role of security and stewarding staff at events.

Most would admit that their counter terrorism training, where it exists, is at best basic. If you are expecting to find a gun or bomb on an attendee, you would be stepping back and calling in the Police. Knives, drugs and alcohol are all items that may be smuggled into an event site and are items that the security team would expect to find but terrorist weapons?

Of course, we must never forget that the attacker never even tried to enter the arena.

He did not have to and neither does the next one. An ingress queue (perhaps caused by an enhanced security regime) or mass egress will suffice. Nothing in the MAI recommendations gives me comfort that they can prevent such an attack. That does not mean our industry will not stop trying. We will work with Government to introduce Protect Duty that will make events as safe as reasonably practicable. However, neither will we forget all the other ways in which people can get hurt or die if a job is not done correctly.

So, the onus is now back upon us to work with the Home Office to deliver Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) that delivers a higher level of protection from terrorists whilst not diminishing our freedoms or the work we do on all the other threats to our crowds and staff. It will not be easy, but we owe it to those at Manchester Arena on that awful night to do our best, and we owe it to all of those who will come to events in the future to protect them in the best ways we can.

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Under the spotlight

Providing a voice Industry associations have worked tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of the live events industry have been heard at Government level. Here, they discuss their frustrations, the challenges and the future Ensuring our voice is heard

O

ver the last 18 months, industry associations have been working hard to get the Government to recognise the immense pressures being faced by the live events sector. With events and festivals forced to cancel and postpone, event organisers and event suppliers have both faced innumerable difficult situations as a result of COVID-19.

Consequently, they have turned to industry associations for help, advice and support, desperate for guidance on how to navigate uncharted waters.

Thankfully, our industry associations responded, taking our plight to Government and helping events professionals in all manner of ways. The events industry needed targeted support and it needed someone to listen.

Steve Heap, general secretary of the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO), explained: “When the pandemic took hold in 2020, we became an even busier support group than we were before. Bringing festivals up to speed with the rapid change of how we were able to work and how lockdowns would affect the festival scene. We engaged with a wide variety of other bodies like LIVE, Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) and Events Industry Forum (EIF). We were contacted by Arts Council England, the

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Images © Eric Ward, Aranxa Esteve, Danny Howe, Unsplash

Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and non-member festivals from all over the country. The former all needing facts, figures and information, the latter needing some kind of guidance as to what on earth was going on. Of course, we were all in the dark, but we had to step up and face the challenge.”

What became clear was that whilst Government officials were not unaware of the events industry, more had to be done to ensure its voice was heard.

Tom Clements, president of NOEA, said: “Our major issue has been to raise understanding of the events industry. To try and explain its complexities, the supply chains and even basic items like the lead in times for events. Our biggest challenge has been in explaining the long supply chain associated with events, the bell curve of commercial activity they have, and the disruptive effects of lockdown on their livelihoods. We’ve provided masses of data and evidence that has shown that event businesses need specific support packages from Government because they operate in such a different way.”

Hoping for change

According to Dave Keighley, chairman of the Production Services Association (PSA), one of the biggest frustrations has been knowing how safely the events industry can operate, having the evidence from test events that shows

Under the spotlight that we can, yet not being allowed to do so.

Furthermore, he said, it has become apparent that Government did not quite understand how far out the economic impact of the events industry spreads. Something, which is hoped will change very soon.

Keighley continued: “I always had a suspicion but this past year has confirmed that the live production sector has the greatest combination of innovation, resilience, work ethic and flexibility of a sector. It can’t be beaten. Something I always suspected that has been confirmed is that trade associations work better together than in isolation and those that provide a voice are far more effective than those that simply make noise.”

Level the playing field

Paul Hooper, secretary of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), concurred with Keighley. Working and joining forces with likeminded organisations has been beneficial. However, it has also highlighted disparity. “We’re not all the same – but need to work together,” he said.

Clements agreed: “Frustratingly, I have learned that we are not a Government priority unless we’re really in the spotlight. There is a discrepancy between the day-to-day industry, which is about music, cultural and agricultural events taking place every day, and the big national moments like Euro 2020. We need

to level this playing field so everyone gets the same, fair, support.”

Hooper raised this point too and argued that the agricultural show industry does not receive the same support. He said that agricultural and county shows do not have direct contact with Government, as “we appear to have fallen between DCMS and DEFRA”.

More clarity needed

According to Hooper, the events industry needs more clarity and detail. This would remove interpretation issues in relation to guidance that has been witnessed at a local authority level. What’s more, the difference in levels of support, guidance and understanding across the devolved nations has been astounding. Hooper said that such disparity and uncertainty is demoralising for the sector.

Clements agreed: “It’s been horrible for our members; it’s been death by a thousand cuts and watching it has been heartbreaking. The biggest thing we’ve given them is information, what we’ve continued to struggle to give them is clarity and that has been really hard.

“The other thing we have provided though, that has been warming, is the chance to network, albeit on Zoom. We’ve given them the chance to vent, share stories, talk openly and look to the future. This really has been priceless, it has kept people going and provided support networks for mental health

“We need to level the playing field”

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Under the spotlight

Celebration remains on the agenda

as well as commercial health. It’s been one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

Clements continued: “Now, we’re really focused on #BuildBackBetter and working with Government to de-risk our industry more than it has ever been before. We’re talking a lot about creative entrepreneurs needing support, and how they can only go forward with the appropriate incentives.”

Come back stronger

The ASAO has said that it intends to continue banging the drum for the agricultural shows sector until it is recognised at Government level. Until then, the ASAO will continue to help the industry to re-establish itself in 2022.

However, Hooper fears there will be casualties across the board – staff, exhibitors and contractors – as well as issues such as a lack of funding and shortage of volunteers.

“The next year is going to be tough,” Clements added. “For many of our members, the extension of the lockdown consigned them to the second year without income and that has really hurt them. This means they now have a really tough winter ahead of them with the possibility of restrictions returning, the end of furlough and no specific grants that will take them through the winter months.”

But the challenges of 2020 and 2021 have brought the industry closer together. Industry talks more. Therefore, it is hoped that with continued support the events industry will come back stronger. Heap said: “So, what of the future? Several festivals have cancelled for

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a second year. Many festivals who were not able to run in 2020 have taken to developing smaller versions and COVID-safe events for 2021 to keep the flag flying and to show that it can be done.

“There is no doubt at all that we are going to have to learn to live with COVID around us.

Perhaps not to the dramatic effect that it was in 2020 but clearly it won’t just go away. But festival organisers are resilient, adaptable and very creative and we will keep celebration on the agenda and return to full strength in 2022.”

The PSA is currently working frantically, talking to the Treasury, as around 200 organisations are still awaiting payments from the Culture Recovery Fund. Plus, it is pushing local authorities “to get a move on” with the distribution of additional restrictions grants.

Targeted and additional funding and support will be key.

Clements concurred and cited the immediate points on NOEA’s agenda: “We’re immediately turning to give them [our members] the support and representation we can, to get them through until the spring. We’re working as hard as possible to get ‘events specific’ support that understands the very specific situation they face.

“After that it’s about managing a positive rebuild where we bring partnership and collaboration to business relationships, which allow all businesses to return to prosperity as soon as possible, but not at the cost of others.

It’s going to be a really positive time, but one that we will come out of stronger than ever.”

#wemakeevents

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Are you ready?

The Event Hire Association is striving to make the events industry ready for a post-COVID comeback

I

t goes without saying that the UK events industry has taken a huge knock over the last year, and the effects on the suppliers involved have been deeply and personally felt, not to mention the gargantuan loss to the UK economy.

Event Hire Association (EHA), the trade body, is working hard to kickstart the event hire industry and get it fully up and running again and is sourcing solutions for COVID-friendly events that fully comply with guidelines but remain feasible and enjoyable for all.

EHA provides a range of guidance documentation, including practical advice relating to COVID-19 and training courses for events suppliers, which can be accessed online. As the majority of those working in the industry were furloughed for more than a year, returning staff are finding that mandatory certification, such as first aid training, is now out of date. EHA has been providing this training to help ensure that the events industry is ready to go once restrictions allow.

Although the lifting of restrictions will only happen in line with the test controls put in place by the Government, there will likely be a number of people who still feel nervous, particularly those who fall into a vulnerable category. This presents a challenge to the events industry.

Factors such as seating arrangements and venue type need to be arranged in a manner

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Are you event ready?

that is deemed to be safe and reassuring for everyone involved. Be they high energy exhibitions or more formal corporate events, one of the options EHA recommends to address this dilemma involves increasing the use of marquees. In the event that Government restrictions should take a sudden change of direction, marquees can be quickly and easily altered in size and can provide ample space for social distancing if necessary.

Using a venue with attractive grounds will encourage guests to make use of outdoor space, and there are endless possibilities for how marquees can bring the outside and inside environments together. For example, tipis typically have an attractive undulating open side, and stretch tents are a similar, highly flexible alternative.

Given the losses suffered by UK businesses in recent times, markets have become more competitive than ever. So, as well as providing reassurance to hesitant visitors, using a unique or unusual venue provides an opportunity to hold a highly memorable event, which can enhance the reputation of your business and demonstrate creativity and innovation.

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EvEnt PEoPlE

Building a future workforce

Event People

Where will the next generation of event managers come from? John Tasker, director at Massive, discusses the launch of Event People, a dedicated resource designed to support future events professionals. Read on and discover how you could get involved

A

s the recovery from COVID begins and as an industry, we begin to move beyond survival mode, we’re calling on the live events industry to do more to tackle the longer-term challenge of encouraging and supporting fresh and diverse new talent into a career in events.

During the pandemic, recent graduates and those in more junior roles were the most likely to lose their jobs. Twenty-six per cent of event management students lost their work placements last year and almost all were denied the chance of “hands on” experience at events and festivals.

According to research from Prospect, two thirds of final year students feel pessimistic about their future careers and 82 per cent feel disconnected from prospective employers.

This would be worrying at any time. But we also have lost experienced events professionals to other sectors and Brexit has resulted in fewer EU workers. As live events and experiences return, finding talent and resources could be the next challenge we face.

So, what can we do as industry do to attract talent and inspire a generation of event graduates who have also been impacted

by COVID-19? How do we encourage event graduates not to be disheartened or lose faith?

Introducing Event People

Event People is our response to this challenge.

Launched by Massive, Event People is built around an online platform and is dedicated to students, graduates and young people that are looking to build a career in the events industry.

Event providers will have access to a community – a pool of talent, actively looking for work and the opportunity to impress prospective employers. For students, it will provide access to temporary event work, insight from leading industry figures, training, skills development opportunities and a supportive network of peers.

How it works?

We are actively working with the events community and are encouraging event organisers, agencies and suppliers to share relevant opportunities with our student and graduate community. These can be paid roles, internships and “hands on” event experience.

Or we can provide a managed service, carefully recruiting, selecting, training and managing teams of Event People on site at events.

By working in partnership with universities, which offer events-related courses, we engage students through word of mouth, offering motivated individuals the chance to put their learnings to good use.

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EvEnt PEoPlE Once registered, students and graduates are interviewed and assessed for suitability for roles, given access to work opportunities, online training and other resources.

After each job or training module, our student community receives feedback and recognition of achievements, building up a record of experience and skills that creates a pathway into full-time employment and demonstrates relevant experience to prospective employers.

Long-term aim

Our aim is to bring the events industry and event students and graduates, looking to build a career in our sector, closer together.

We want Event People to be the go-to destination for anyone looking to improve their employability and for the industry to access the brightest and best talent available.

Ultimately, our aim is to make the industry more accessible, diverse and inclusive, helping to keep the UK at the forefront of the global events and experience industry.

Get involved

Our ask of Stand Out readers is simple – we want you to be part of this. What can you and your team share with our community? How can you give back? What can you offer that will help support the next generation of events professionals? What skills can you teach and what knowledge can you pass on?

And as events return, what roles could you open up? In what areas do you need temporary staff that are keen to learn and want to impress you and your customers?

Jon Dutton, CEO of the Rugby League World Cup, is just one of Event People’s supporters.

He said: “Supporting young people and giving future leaders the opportunity to gain valuable

Can you help future talent?

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Inspire next generation #eventprofs

experience is vitality important to the health and wellbeing of the events industry.”

Jon is just one of a number of event industry leaders that is supporting Event People. We also have the support of 25 universities and that number is growing. We have support from London Marathon Events and event teams within FIFA, the Commonwealth Games and F1, all sharing insights with our community on how to build a successful career in events.

This is a prime example of event people helping future event people. We need a new future generation of event people to provide the energy, passion and drive that we will need to build a stronger, different and more vibrant events industry, post-COVID. We’re asking everyone who has an interest in developing the next generation of event professionals to join us and offer their support.

The last 16 months has been tough on our amazing sector but I believe that Event People can only benefit an industry that, despite the pandemic, has a bright and exciting future.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.weareeventpeople.co.uk

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Green Column

Come back greener

What’s your carbon impact?

Now is the time to take meaningful action and reduce the carbon impact of your business and improve the sustainability of your event. Chris Johnson, chair of Vision: 2025, talks

T

his November, Glasgow will host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, COP26.

It will be a key moment when we see whether the world’s political leaders take the opportunity to take real action on climate change, on a global scale. We’ve witnessed successive triumphant and meaningless declarations following 25 years of COP meetings – with the exception of COP21 in Paris, 2015. The

Chris Johnson

scientists and scientific evidence tell us that now is the last opportunity to avoid a climate disaster.

Regular readers of my Stand Out columns will know that the fight to tackle climate emergency is central to my ethos as an event organiser.

But I know that is not the case for many people, and that economic, time, and business pressures mean that taking action on event sustainability has, and is, not a priority.

Exactly when has been the right time – and how – to talk about sustainability over this very challenging pandemic has felt tricky. It seemed inappropriate, whilst in the throes of cancellations, enduring uncertainty and financial crisis. Yet alongside this, the increasingly seriousness and dramatic reality of climate crisis is continually emerging with each piece of research reinforcing worst case scenarios and climate-related tipping points.

During the absence of live events over the past 12 months, our focus at Vision: 2025 has been providing engaging content to support and inspire the outdoor events industry to #BuildBackGreener. For like-minded people already on the journey to Net Zero, the urgency has motivated some inspiring initiatives to reduce carbon impact.

Our passion is to share that knowledge and expand the number of event organisers and suppliers joining us on that journey. Over recent months Vision: 2025 has gathered new content, provided by leading experts and

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Green Column

Image © Markus Spiske

Now is the time for action

organisers, onto a new website, now available within a free-to-access knowledge hub.

We hope that everyone realises they can start their journey now and make a significant difference, whatever their starting point. The new website offers a super-searchable worldleading resources area to help find tools, guides, news, case studies and green suppliers.

It aims to be a one-stop-shop for everything there is to know about sustainability at outdoor events, large or small.

Learn from others

With Net Zero becoming widely adopted as a vital “North Star” in tackling the climate crisis, our mission is to inspire a significant reduction in the climate impacts of the UK outdoor live events sector by 2025, providing the roadmap for a shared journey toward Net Zero, and the knowledge to get there, together.

More and more Governments, councils and businesses are making a commitment towards Net Zero. It’s important that these commitments are in line with the climate science and bear up to the scrutiny they will be put under. It follows that our events are also going to be scrutinised. Carbon and energy reporting for large UK companies is already mandatory under the national Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting scheme (SECR).

It seems inevitable that event permission processes at local authority level will involve demonstrating sustainability measures being in place, and I believe it won’t be long before reporting energy use is a legal requirement for all businesses.

I urge all organisers and suppliers that now is the time to join the growing number

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of businesses taking meaningful action to manage and reduce carbon impacts. Let’s learn from the experiences of others, share knowledge and discover new approaches, products and services available through the research already carried out and collated on the new Vision: 2025 knowledge hub. The more of us participating and contributing to this knowledge hub, the more valuable the resources become.

#ComeBackGreener

Live outdoor events can become a member of Vision: 2025 by taking a simple ten-point pledge to take action – there are no fees. We provide members with access to invite-only events, advice through industry briefings, and connect people and organisations to share real-life experiences, challenges and solutions.

Every event is unique, and each journey to Net Zero is different, but the steps we need to take are basically the same.

We recognise the huge pressures everyone is under coming out of the pandemic to deliver their first events back, so not everyone will (be able to) focus on sustainability and achieve huge reductions this year. But now is the time we need to take action, and the window for making it count is increasingly short. Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, there has been plenty of innovation in the supply chain, especially around energy. If nothing else, please take the time to understand where you are on the journey to Net Zero this year, measure your impacts (if you don’t already) and be ready to radically reduce impacts in 2022.

I wish everyone a successful recovery and that you #ComeBackGreener.

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www.versatilevenues.co.uk

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CONNECTIONS EVENT SAFETY

Connections are sponsored by

FESTIVAL GAS LFX Safety Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL T: 0161 408 2220 E: enquiries@ LFXevents.co.uk W: www.LFXevents. co.uk

Festival Gas Priors Revel, Church lane, Middleton, Nr Tamworth, B78 2AL T: 07930 758893 E: simon@festivalgas. co.uk W: www.festivalgas. co.uk

EVENT SIGNAGE JTM Signs Unit 20 H T M Business Park, Abergele Road, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, LL18 5UZ T: 01745 590056 E: steve@jt-m-signs. co.uk W: www.jtmsigns. co.uk

FLAGPOLE HIRE Fuchsia Exhibition Services Ltd Bigods Hall, Bigods Lane, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 3BE T: 01371 644800 E: info@ fuchsiaevents.co.uk W: www.fuchsiaexhibition-services. com

EVENT STAFFING SOFTWARE uTRAC 24A Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1, Ireland T: 0808 189 0334 E: hello@utraconline. com W: www.utraconline. com

EXHIBITION TRAILERS & MOBILE UNITS DWT Exhibitions Trailer Hire, Sales & Management Jubilee Park, Honeypot Lane, Colsterworth Lincolnshire, NG33 5LZ T: 01476 860833 E: pip@dwtexhibitions.co.uk W: www.dwtexhibitions.co.uk Inchmere Event Design Ltd Swan Close Studios, Swan Close Road, Banbury, OX16 5TE T: 01295 661000 E: alastair@inchmere. co.uk W: www.inchmere. co.uk TCM Trailers Ltd Watery Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7SE E: emily@tcmtrailers. co.uk W: www.tcmtrailers. co.uk

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FURNITURE HIRE / SALES

FLAGS

DD: 01840 219047 | M: 07748 165 827 www.instantmarquees.co.uk

FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS AMH Imports Ltd. 34 Parsons Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3HA T: +44 (0)788 430 3082 W: www.coirstore. co.uk Event Flooring Solutions Ltd T: 01509 768 252 E: sales@efseurope. co.uk W: www.efseurope. co.uk GT Trax Ltd High Tree Farm House, New Road, Warboys, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2SS T: 01487 823344 E: info@gttrax.co.uk W: www.gttrax.co.uk Twitter: @GTTrax Ikadan UK Ltd T: +4596606400 E: Ikadan@ikadan.dk

A Furniture On The Move Meadowbank, Tuckers Lane, Ubley, Bristol, BS40 6PB T: 0845 459 9875 E: hello@furnitureon themove.co.uk W: www.furnitureon themove.co.uk Casablanca Marquee & Event Hire Unit 1, Kingsbury Works, Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 8UP T: 020 7395 6432 E: eventhire@ casablancahire.com W: www. casablancahire.com Europa International Europa House, Meaford Road, London, SE20 8RA T: 08454 303015 E: sales@europa international.com W: www.europa international.com/st Furniture 4 Events Priors Court Farm, Old Street, Hermitage, Berkshire, RG18 9JT T: 01635 247033 E: sales@ furniture4events. com W: www. furniture4events. com Picnic Table Hire T: 01249 848050 E: hello@ picnictablehire.com W: www. picnictablehire.com

GRANDSTAND SEATING Ace Seating Hire T: 01832 273353 E: info@aceseating. co.uk W: www.aceseating. co.uk

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by

HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

LED SCREENS ADI UK Ltd Pittman Court, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9ZG T: +44 (0)1772 708 200 E: info@adi.tv W: www.adi.tv

Arcotherm Unit 11, Ecclesbourne Park, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 4RF T: 01773 836 999 E: sales@arcotherm. co.uk W: www.arcotherm. co.uk

EMF Technology Ltd Unit 27 Freemantle House, Kingsclere Business Park, Kingsclere, Hants RG20 4SW T: 020 8003 3344 E: info@ emftechnology.co.uk W: www. emftechnology.co.uk

Cooling and Heating Solutions Ltd T: 01590 681 434 E: sales@candhs. co.uk W: www.coolingand heatingsolutions.com Spica Temperature Control Solutions Ltd 20 Crowsport, Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4HG T: +44 (0) 2380 453841 M: +44 (0) 7780 638976 E: kay@ spicasolutions.com W: www. spicasolutions.com

Tysers Insurance Brokers 71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS T:+44 (0)203 037 8000 E: tim.rudland@ tysers.com W: www.tysers.com

LASER & FX Laser Grafix Unit 4A Stratton Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8QS UK office: +44 1767 315948 Dubai office: +971 4 887 9808 W: www.lgfx.co.uk

Mobile Locker UK Ltd Unit 11, Trident Park, Poseidon Way, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6SW T: 01926 671937 E: info@moblielocker. co.uk W: www. mobilelocker.co.uk

MARQUEE STAKES & ACCESSORIES Ansell Handtools (Sheffield) Ltd Incorporating The 1st Stop Marquee Stake House Ltd 72 Catley Road, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 5JF, U.K. T: 0114 244 8098 Out of hours / emergency mobile: 0739 2070654 W: www. ansellhandtools.co.uk W: www.marquee stakehouse.com Twitter: @AnsellHandtools Facebook: Ansell Handtools

Lightmedia Displays Mobile & Modular LED Screen Hire T: 0333 600 6000 E: sales@lightmedia. co.uk W: www.lightmedia.co.uk YSLV Full range of AV & LED Hire London & York T: 0208 317 7775 E: hello@yslv.co.uk W: www.yslv.co.uk

INSURANCE Arc International St. Clare House, 3033 Minories, London, EC3N 1PE T: +44 (0)207 977 7637 W: www. apex-ins.co.uk/ arcinternational

LOCKERS

LED TRAFFIC/EVENT MANAGEMENT SIGNS Solar Signs UK Ltd Doody’s Yard, Park Road, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, NE49 9LD T: +44 (0)1434 322 359 E: admin@ SolarSignsUK.com W: www. solarsignsuk.com

LIGHTING Illumin8 Contact details: Neil 07710 700759 or Ian 07568 430704 E: sales@ illumin8lights.co.uk W: www. illumin8lights.co.uk

MARQUEES Alternative Stretch Tents Building 15, Gateway 1000, A1 (M) jct 7, Stevenage SG1 2FP T: 01920 830256 E: info@alternativestretch.co.uk W: www.alternativestretch-tents.co.uk Casablanca Marquee & Event Hire Unit 1, Kingsbury Works, Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 8UP T: 020 7395 6432 E: eventhire@ casablancahire.com W: www. casablancahire.com

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CONNECTIONS Event-in-a-tent Unit 108, Abby Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, LL13 9RF T: 01978 661449 E: info@event-in-tent. co.uk W: www.event-in-atent.co.uk

Connections are sponsored by

MEDICAL SERVICES First Aid Cover Ltd 19 Eltringham Street London SW18 1TD T: 020 8875 5758 E: enquiries@ firstaidcover.co.uk W: www.firstaidcover. co.uk

Elan Marquees Unit 6, Miners Park Road, Llay Industrial Estate, Wrexham, LL12 0PJ T: 01978 755433 M: 07976 262971 E: enquiries@ elanmarquees.co.uk W: www. elanmarquees.co.uk Fews Marquees Chessgrove Park, Ditchford Bank Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove Worcestershire, B60 4HS T: 01527 821789 W: www. fewsmarquees.co.uk

Location Medical Services Ltd The Medical Centre, Shepperton Studios, Studio Road, Shepperton, Middx, TW17 0QD T: 0870 750 9898 E: mail@ locationmedical.com W: www. locationmedical.com MET Medical Ltd T: 0203 627 9042 E: info@met-medical. co.uk W: www.metmedical.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Aniseed Event Photography E: jt@aniseedpr.com W: www. aniseedphoto.com Twitter: @aniseedphoto Instagram: @aniseed eventphotography

DD: 01840 219047 | M: 07748 165 827 www.instantmarquees.co.uk Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP T: +44 121 7401385 M: +44 7826 843099 E: jorg@tenticklestretchtents.co.uk W: www.tenticklestretchtents.co.uk Top Cat Big Tops Tents & Marquees Ltd The Old Stable Yard, Gasworks Ln, Machynlleth, SY20 8BY T: 01654 700030 E: info@ topcatbigtops.co.uk W: www. topcatbigtops.co.uk

PLANT HIRE Ace Plant Cosgrove Road, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6LA T: 01908 562191 E: info@aceplant. co.uk W: www.aceplant. co.uk Energy Generator Hire Ltd Aylesbury, Bucks, HP17 8SX T: 01296 613013 E: enquiries@energy generatorhire.co.uk W: www.energy generatorhire.co.uk Hopkins Machinery T: 01633 680754 E: hire@hopkins machinery.co.uk W: www.hopkins machinery.co.uk

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PORTABLE SHOPS Rapid Retail Ltd Unit 1 Goodwood Road, Keytec 7 Business Park, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2JL T: +44 (0)1386 555044 E: info@rapidretail. co.uk W: www.rapidretail. co.uk

PORTABLE TOILET HIRE A1 Loo Hire Silver Birches, Highland Avenue, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 4SP T: 0118 9894652 E: clive@ a1groupcomp.co.uk W: www. a1groupcomp.co.uk D&P Luxury Toilets Ltd Coldharbour Cottage Winchbottom Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 9QE T: 01494 526 065 E: sales@luxurytoilets.co.uk W: www.luxurytoilets.co.uk John Anderson Hire Unit 5 Smallford Works, Smallford Lane, St Albans, AL4 0SA T: 03333 207020 E: quotes@superloo. co.uk W: www.superloo. co.uk Site Event The Depot, The Avenue, Lasham, Hampshire, GU34 5SU T: 01256 384 134 E: event@site-equip. co.uk W: www.site-equip. co.uk Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooevent sgroup.co.uk W: www.zooevents group.co.uk

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by

Powerline Knowle Hill Farm, Beeks Lane, Marshfield, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8BB T: 01225 892336 E: info@ thepowerline.co.uk W: www. thepowerline.co.uk

POWER & GENERATORS ATD Electrical Unit 93, Greenway Business Centre, Greenway, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QE T: 01279 507890 E: office@ atdelectrical.com W: www.atdelectrical. com CB Potts Electrical Rose Cottage, Watergore, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5JQ T: 0780 8049034 E: ben.potts@zen. co.uk W: www. cbpottselectrical. co.uk Excell Electrical Event Solutions Fridd Farm, Bethersden, Kent, TN26 3DX T: 01233 822059 E: enquiries@ excellelectrical.com W: www. excellelectrical.com Fourth Generation Limited 220 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 2PU T: 020 8450 2943 M: 07741 052565 E: tweed@fourth generationltd.com W: www.fourth generationltd.com Gofer Ltd Unit 7 Arkwright Road, Hadleigh Road Ind. Est, Ipswich.

Suffolk, IP2 0UB T: 01473 282530 E: info@gofer.co.uk W: www.gofer.co.uk Newburn Power Rental Limited Unit 36 Lidgate Crescent, Langthwaite Business Park, South Kirkby, Pontefract, WF9 3NR T: 0845 077 6693 E: info@npr-uk.com

SFL Mobile Radio 6 Woodway Court, Thursby Road, Bromborough, CH62 3PR T: 0151 334 9160 E: sales@ sflmobileradio.co.uk W: www. sflmobileradio.co.uk

REFRIGERATED TRAILER HIRE

PROJECTION EMF Technology LTD Projection Mapping, Water Screens, Flame Effects, Lighting, Mains Distribution T: 020 8003 3344 E: info@ emftechnology.co.uk W: www. emftechnology.co.uk

Refrigerated Trailer James Dickson T: 01749 890737 M: 07903 297414 E: info@refrigerated trailer.co.uk W: www.refrigerated trailer.co.uk

REUSABLE CUPS Green Goblet Ltd Unit 1A Walrow Industrial Estate, Commerce Way, Highbridge, TA9 4AG T: 01278 238390 E: info@green-goblet. com W: www.greengoblet.com

PROMOTIONAL BRANDED MERCHANDISE Reflex Marketing & Promotions Ltd Unit B5, Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6NZ T: 01273 464666 E: sales@ reflexmarketing.co.uk W: www. reflexmarketing.co.uk

ROADSHOWS Versatile Venues Creative Mobile Solutions Wireless Hill, South Luffenham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8NF T: 01780 720 217 E: info@ versatilevenues.co.uk W: www. versatilevenues.co.uk

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 2CL Communications Ltd Unit C, Woodside Trade Centre, Parnham Drive, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4NU T: 0800 389 2278 E: contact@2cl.co.uk W: www.2cl.co.uk DCRS Edison Road, St.Ives, Cambs, PE27 3LH T: 0800 043 2688 E: sales@dcrs.co.uk W: www.dcrs.co.uk Radiotek Unit 7 & 8 Silver End Business Park, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY7 5QW T: 0800 587 9774 E: sales@radiotek. co.uk W: www.radiotek. co.uk

SECURITY McKenzie Arnold Grove House, Faulkbourne, Essex, CM8 1SH T: 01376 350999 E: martin.jackson@ mckenziearnold.com W: www. mckenziearnold.com Provide SESS Ltd The Courtyard, 87 Southampton Street Reading RG1 2QU T: 01189 875949 E: info@providesecurity.com W: www.providesecurity.com

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CONNECTIONS Right Guard Security Event Security Consultancy Security & Crowd Management Traffic Management CSAS Traffic Officers T: 01227 464 588 T: 0207 241 5525 E: info@rightguard. co.uk W: www.rightguard. co.uk

SITE SUPPLIES Concept Products Ltd 10 Cary Court, Somerton Business Park, Somerton, TA11 6SB T: 01458 274020 E: ben@concept productsltd.co.uk W: www.concept productsltd.co.uk

STAGING & RIGGING Impact Production Redbourne Park, Lilipur Road, Brackmills Industrial Estate, NN4 7DT T: 01604 664571 E: sales@impactproducts.co.uk W: www.impactproducts.co.uk Triple A Events Ltd Unit D4, St Georges Business Park, Castle Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3TB T: 0800 7723242 M: 07875492625 W: www. tripleaevents.co.uk Twitter: @tripleaeventsuk Facebook: /tripleaeventsuk

STEWARDS / MARSHALLS Phoenix Events (East) Ltd 28 Turner Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4HD T: +44 (0) 75927399287 E: a-harding@ phoenix eventseastltd.co.uk W: www. phoenixevents eastltd.co.uk

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Connections are sponsored by

Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP T: +44 121 7401385 M: +44 7826 843099 E: jorg@tenticklestretchtents.co.uk W: www.tenticklestretchtents.co.uk

Road Traffic Solutions 60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7PQ T: 01724 848 246 E: martyn@ roadtraffic solutions.com W: www.roadtraffic solutions.com

TEMPORARY BRIDGES

TT Tents Ltd North Waltham Business Centre, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2DJ T: 01256 397 551 E: sales@tttents. co.uk W: www.tttents.co.uk

Mitchell Bridges Limited London Road, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7QN T: 01962 885040 M: 07768630373 E: chris@ mitchellbridges.com W: www. mitchellbridges.com

Worldwide Structures Ltd Ayrshire Farm, Sharcott, Pewsey, SN9 5PA T: + 44 (0) 1672 565 060 / +44 (0) 7875 027369 E: enquiries@w-sl. com W: www.worldwidestructures.com

TEMPORARY ROADWAYS Cap Trac Limited The Stables, Loke Farm, Weston Longville, Norwich, NR9 5LG T: 01603 880448 E: info@captrac.co.uk W: www.captrac. co.uk

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES MANUFACTURERS J & J. Carter Ltd Unit 2, 34 Walworth Road, Walworth Business Park, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5LH T: 01264 721630 E: sales@jjcarter.com W: www.jjcarter.com

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES Low & Bonar Oldham Ltd Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert Street, Oldham, OL8 3QL, U.K. E: info.uk@mehgies. com W: www.mehgies. com NEPTUNUS Ltd Cob Drive, Swan Valley, Northampton NN4 9BB T: +44 1604 593820 E: sales@neptunus. co.uk W: www.neptunus. co.uk

TIPIS Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooevents group.co.uk W: www.zooevents group.co.uk

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by

Stagefreight Evanston Avenue, Leeds LS4 2HR T: 0113 238 0805 / 0113 279 7898 W: www.stagefreight. com

TRACKWAY All Weather Access County Farm, High Roding, Dunmow, Essex CM6 1NQ T: 01371 700510 M: 07801 751137 E: henry@allweatheraccess.co.uk W: www.allweatheraccess.co.uk

VEHICLE HIRE Bradshaw Event Vehicles New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW T: 01780 782621 E: enquiries@ eventvehicles.co.uk W: www. eventvehicles.co.uk Twitter: @ Bradshaw_EV

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Exhibition Traffic Management Services Ltd Perton House, Roslin Road, London, W3 8DH T: 0203 567 1479 E: ops@exhibitiontraffic.co.uk W: www.exhibitiontraffic.co.uk

VENUES The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland T: 00353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie

Event Traffic Control Limited Baldersby Gardens, Ripon Road, Baldersby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4PS T: 08000 246 800 E: info@eventtc.com W: www.eventtc.com Road Traffic Solutions 60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7PQ T: 01724 848 246 E: martyn@ roadtraffic solutions.com W: www.roadtraffic solutions.com

WASTE MANAGEMENT Grist Environmental Event Services Head Office, William Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3EW T: 01380 735045 E: events@ gristenvironmental. com W: www.grist environmental.com

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISITICS Agility Fairs & Events Logistics Ltd Unit 18, Third Exhibition Avenue, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1PJ T: 0121 780 2627 E: abates@agility.com W: www.agility.com GAC Pindar Medina Chambers, Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ T: 02380 489924 E: pindar@gac.com W: www.gacpindar. com Twitter: @GACPindar

WATER & PLUMBING SERVICES

Modern Thinking, Traditional Values

DRINKING WATER PURE AND SIMPLE

GreensH20 Hire Ltd Hampshire T: 01256 225635 M: 07717846059 E: info@greensh2o. co.uk W: www.greensh2o. co.uk

MTD (UK & Ireland) Ltd Unit 1 Westerngate, Hillmead Enterprise Park, Langley Road, Swindon, SN5 5WN T: +44 (0)1264 773 818 M: +44 (0)7557 868 909 E: bill.wootten@mtd. net E: oliver.smith@mtd. net W: www.mtd.net Wicked Event Water Services Kevin: 07909 771996 E: info@wickedevent waterservices.com W: www.wews.biz

WELFARE CABINS Boss Cabins BCS House, Pinfold Road, Bourne, PE10 9HT T: +44 (0)845 180 1616 E: info@bosscabins. co.uk W: www.bosscabins. co.uk

WIFI, INTERNET & STREAMING Attend2it Unit 8 Park Farm Industrial Estate, Ermine Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AZ T: 01763 877 477 T: 01763 878 086 E: info@attend2it. co.uk W: www.attend2it. co.uk SimpliWifi The Telephone Exchange, 33 Bridge Street, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3DW T: 0800 298 9434 E: hello@simpliwifi. co.uk W: simpliwifi.co.uk

Liquiline Ltd Ash Tree House, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8JA T: 01258 830324 E: office@liquiline. co.uk W: www.liquiline. co.uk

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NEXT ISSUE editor Caroline Clift caroline@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Featured in our next issue…

head of sales Jo Stace jo@standoutmagazine.co.uk account manager Sarah Bourne sarah@standoutmagazine.co.uk T: 01795 509113 Image © ABB FIA Formula E Championship

design and production Grant Waters

PerFect Formula

James Taylor

Stand Out heads behind the scenes of the London E-Prix, as Formula E heads to the capital to race at ExCeL London

T: 01795 509108 digital and web developer Matthew Coppard credit control Janine Walmsley Publisher Neil Fagg neil@standoutmagazine.co.uk T: 01795 509113 managing director John Denning No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are

Got it covered

Temporary structures are in high demand. Stand Out talks to the experts about versatility and creativity in the world of tents

invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope.

Manuscripts should be typewritten. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to Stand Out Multimedia Limited. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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by Stand Out magazine. © 2021. Stand Out Multimedia Limited, Cobalt Building, 1600 Eureka Park, Lower Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BF.

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From the Fields Subscribe Here…

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Tramlines and Standon Calling talk to Stand Out about being two of the first big festivals to take place since lockdown