MARCH 2023

I’ve just spent the weekend walking in North Yorkshire, surrounded by snowdrops and the first cheerful signs of spring… daffodils. I love being outside. It’s where I think, and the weekend has certainly left me with a spring in my step. I feel like I am ready for the upcoming events season and all its quirks and challenges. But are you too feeling ready?

Personally, I think you are. I’ve had some great conversations these last few weeks. Event owners are no longer firefighting but have started to plan positively; growth is on the horizon, so it got me thinking: Are we back? Is this the year that we can feel some normality?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not delusional. There will be challenges but I know we’re resilient, and the ability to flex is in our DNA. It’s what we do. Collaboration will be key – yes, that old chestnut, I can hear you. But it really will, and I think a lot of growth will come from partnerships.

If we are going to navigate 2023 – and I don’t mean scrape through – then we must work to our strengths. After the last two years, and the tightrope that we’ve all wobbled on, it’s time to find balance and equilibrium. We need to work the best way we can and only do what we enjoy. This breeds success.

In this latest issue, we have some great features on partnership working (page 41), growth opportunities (page 32) and what motivates others to do the jobs they do (page 15). Plus, we have a huge article that focuses on county shows and the great developments taking place at regional events, which attract audiences in their thousands. Pop the kettle on and have a read. Oh, and if you turn to page 53, you’ll find out why small events are essential to a rich and varied events landscape. Till next time and hope to see you in a field very soon.

Happy reading, Caroline

10 TENDERS

Looking for new business opportunities? Check out the latest event tenders and contract wins

12 ON TRACK

Thirteen Scottish landmarks were lit up to celebrate the UCI Cycling World Championships, as the countdown to the mega sporting event begins

15 IT’S A CELEBRATION

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, StandOut shines a spotlight on LS Events’ Mel Archer, Laura Armstrong, and Beth Smith, who talk about their first-hand experiences of working in events

21

Advice On Tap

Following a scorching summer in 2022, event organisers are carefully making temporary water supply plans for 2023

24 THE COUNTRY’S FINEST

County show organisers discuss their event plans and how they plan to develop this year’s events

32

Park Life

Charlton Park is actively looking to host new events on the Wiltshire estate, as well as launch several homegrown shows. Nick Mattingley, the estate’s new events consultant, talks to StandOut

35 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Bar and catering providers reveal best practices and the latest trends to impact the world of events and festivals

38 KURIOS LIFE

The Royal Albert Hall installed additional steelwork beneath the stalls for Cirque du Soleil’s new show Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities

41 SAFE AND SECURE

StandOut goes behind the scenes at Motorpoint Arena to check out Halo v5, the latest version of Halo Solutions’ incident and threat management platform

54 MEASURE WHAT MATTERS

Meshh’s Jessica Pomfret talks about measurement, metrics, and tactics; all vital elements if you wish to demonstrate real sponsorship value