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Issue 53 February/March 2012 £4.75
Industry predicts a strong year
Organisers urged to liaise more By Christina Eccles
ORGANISERS have been urged to liaise more closely with suppliers to ensure the industry is completely ready for the impact of a packed Olympics’ events programme. In an open letter, secretary Jim Winship addressed organisers on behalf of the Events Industry Forum – an informal group of 26 trade bodies representing the UK events industry. He said members are concerned about official and unofficial events surrounding the upcoming Games, as many of them are yet to be finalised – meaning organisers who think they can simply turn to existing suppliers at short notice may be disappointed. He said: “We understand from our members that a large number of the events being planned have yet to be formalised and, in many cases, little has been done to secure the equipment and support needed for them to happen. “In some cases we understand there may be an assumption organisers can simply turn to their existing suppliers. “While this might be the case in normal years, 2012 is exceptional with a huge number of events happening across the UK at the same time. This
means that in some areas there is likely to be excessive pressure on suppliers which they may not be able to respond to. “We are particularly concerned this could result in inexperienced suppliers entering the market with the result that something goes badly wrong and the reputation of the industry as a whole becomes tarnished.” The forum has now asked organisers to bring forward discussions with suppliers, ensure they are dealing with reputable companies and coordinate supply chains. He added: “Where events, such as the Torch Relay, are happening on a rolling basis it may be possible for suppliers to similarly follow the route. This could also be more economic for everyone. “Together with our member organisations, the forum is very willing to provide advice to organisers on who they should contact for support.” MUTA president Tony Marsh also joined the debate, adding organisers should pick suppliers with care and look for accreditation such as its own MUTAmarq. I Do you agree with Jim’s comments? Email Christina Eccles at ce@whpl.net with your thoughts.
Details have been announced for this year’s Rewind Festival, which takes place this summer in Henley-on-Thames. New features include The Grand Palace of Entertainment – as seen on Channel Five’s Fairground Attraction – which will be converted into an acoustic and comedy bar. Also new is a range of food courtesy of Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts. The line up for the 2012 event includes Kool and the Gang, Right Said Fred and Heather Small (pictured).
EVENT organisers are predicting a positive year with increased budgets, social media and new technology at the forefront of their minds, a survey has revealed. The industry poll, commissioned by new trade show International Outdoor Event Expo, suggested a bright future for events this year – with over 80 per cent of respondents saying their investment budget would be the same or increased in 2012 and continued growth would be maintained into 2013. Over 57 per cent also said they would be investing in new event technology this year and 53 per cent would be purchasing AV kit. UBM portfolio director Jonny Sullens said: “The results of the IOEX survey certainly echo the feeling in the industry that 2012 will be an exciting year of growth and change. “With so many external factors at the forefront of our minds, the results will now be fed into our seminar programme to make sure we can provide insight for the areas our organiser and brand visitors are interested in.” According to results, the biggest issues facing the industry this year will be the economy, followed by the upcoming Olympics.