MAIN STAGE
BACK TO LIVE , BACK TO REALITY
The pandemic led to a scaled-down version of the Event Production Show ( EPS ) last year but on 8-9 March it will be back at full capacity offering an unparalleled opportunity for all those involved to prepare for what promises to be the busiest events season for many years .
While suppliers show off their products and services at EPS , the mainstage Access All Areas ( AAA ) conference will see a diverse group of leading live event organisers , suppliers and advisors tackle the big issues facing our sector .
During the 16 months the live events industry was locked down due to Covid-19 , many of its hugely competitive event operators and suppliers took the opportunity to unite like never before in an effort to clearly communicate the importance of the sector to the UK ’ s economy .
Among the many statistics presented to Government was that the UK music industry alone contributed £ 5.8 billion to the UK economy in 2019 , while collectively live events boost the UK economy by more than £ 70bn per year . Industry players fought long and hard for support and in return were rewarded by actions including a cut in VAT on tickets , the £ 2 billion Culture Recovery Fund support package and an events cancellation insurance scheme .
The support was gratefully received but many believe it needs to continue , and the scheduled return of the full-rate VAT in March should be postponed until at least the end of 2022 .
No matter what Government support is available , this year is shaping up to be an extremely busy one , with huge stadium tours , the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games , Queen ’ s Jubilee celebrations , many new greenfield festivals and the return of enormous
Event Production Show 2021
events such as Glastonbury . 2022 looks set to mark the much delayed start of what promises to be the “ roaring 20s ”. As the industry prepares for the first full-length events season since 2019 , it has surely never been more important for event professionals from across our industry to come together , face-to-face , and discuss the many challenges and opportunities the sector faces as it looks to fully emerge from the pandemic , rekindle customer confidence and reward ticket buyers with remarkable live events .
The EPS conference panels will explore all the key issues impacting our sector , as well as the potential to future proof it .
6 EPS 2022 | MAIN STAGE