Ready, Set, Go!

Susan Tanner, CEO of the National Outdoor Events Association, looks ahead to a very important season for the events industry.

For the majority of people reading this, one of the most significant event seasons for a generation is already in full swing. The hard work and preparation over the autumn and winter is being put in place; if you’re not on site now, you will be shortly.

Therefore, from everyone at your National Outdoor Events Association, the message for this column is simply good luck. Here in the UK, we have a world class reputation for our events community; the global brands that bring millions together across the summer, the creativity of our production, the quality of our infrastructure, the people and the businesses, the world’s best are right here on our doorstep.

The events that will take place this season will play a critical role in the tone, confidence, and basic happiness of our society at a time when it could not be more under strain. At the same time, those people responsible for putting on these events have done so while facing their own unique challenges, not least from a financial perspective. If we deliver for our audiences, as well as for our industry, we will have achieved a quite monumental feat.

At NOEA we often lament that one of the big problems with our industry is that it never fails. No matter what is thrown at it, it still delivers, often giving off a warped perspective of an industry without need for support or recognition. Hopefully though, every event professional working throughout the summer will know that NOEA continues to have their back, will fly the flag, and will always work hard to

can learn from.

We worked with a caterer recently – a small operation with one van which was electric. Our shimmer wall at a recent awards ceremony was set up by a company who drove it to us (and only operate locally), built it and then came back for it the following day. There was no packaging, no waste, nothing to dispose of at the end of the event.

It is our responsibility as event organisers to ensure we are being sustainable, and that can feel hard in the face of increasing costs and static budgets. So I recommend looking to our suppliers – from them, we can learn a lot.

Evcom.org.uk represent their best interests.

That leads me on to one final point. At the end of the season, on 22nd November, NOEA will once again close the season by giving recognition to all those events people and businesses that will have made it all happen; again. Our Annual Convention & Awards this year have more categories and opportunities to gain this sought after hallmark.

We know that, as always, there will be incredible things coming from our industry this year, and we hope to see everyone in November to celebrate their achievements. Until then, the very best of luck from everyone at NOEA.

Noea.org.uk