2020 is the year that seems to just keep on giving. Covid-19 has had a monumental impact on life, locally, nationally and globally. As if the health risks and death rate aren’t enough, we are all – in one way or another – having to deal with the impact on work and the economy.
Events, needless to say, were affected right from the very start of the pandemic – going into lockdown stopped everything, and ‘falling off the edge of a cliff’ has probably become this year’s most well used, and most disliked, phrase amongst those working in the events industry. At MGN events, we count ourselves lucky. We’ve managed to weather the storm and have been able to continue to do what we do best, event management and production, but within a virtual environment. However, this does not remove the worry and concern about what’s happening to our industry.
The problem we face
Just like the hospitality industry, everyone working in events has faced huge issues as a result of Covid-19 – the first to close down and, now that we’re into a second lockdown, yet to get back to any semblance of normality. Not to mention lack of specific financial support from the government. Whilst ministers do highlight this lack of support, we do not have a dedicated minister to represent the interests of the events industry. Yet it is a huge industry, worth £84 billion per year and employing approximately 1.5 million people. The problem is it’s also a disparate industry covering a wide range of sectors, from corporate conferences to weddings to festivals to trade shows. Permanent venues have sat dormant since March, suppliers have gone out of business, freelancers are worrying when the next job may come their way.
The solution was simple, One Industry, One Voice
Discussion within an event industry leaders’ forum, of which MGN’s MD Mike Walker is a member, established that everyone needed to come together to support and represent every facet of the industry. And so One Industry One Voice was established, incorporating venues, event organisers, suppliers and freelancers across multiple sectors, to raise awareness of our industry, our contribution to the economy and to campaign for government support that will help us all get through this crisis. MGN events is just one of many founding supporters that have raised over £50,000 to finance #WeCreateExperiences, a campaign designed to promote live experiences delivered safely and responsibly in 2021 and to get the government to understand just how important it is to support the industry.
#WeCreateExperiences
Ours is a fantastic industry driven by talented people who are experts in their field, people who love what they do and are motivated by the experiences they deliver, be it a corporate team-building event, a wedding or a gig. We add value to organisations that buy our services, we bring people together for special celebrations and help create lifelong memories – working together (yes, even though so many of us are also competitors!) we intend to ensure we come out of 2020 stronger than ever before!
Get in touch and find out more about the experiences we offer
Contact us and talk to a member of our team, today. We’d love to share our ideas, experience and expertise with you; whether you are planning a virtual event, or considering your next corporate gathering, party or conference for once the COVID-19 crisis has passed. We’d also be more than happy to discuss the One Industry, One Voice initiative with you too. Call 01932 22 33 33 or email hello@mgnevents.co.uk.
