Supporting Local Authorities through unapparelled times
National Outdoor Events Association CEO Susan Tanner reflects on the challenges Covid-19 has presented Local Authorities and NOEA ’ s role in encouraging them and event operators to work together better .
We believe that great events run on successful partnerships and that these relationships need to be nurtured , valued and understood ; it ’ s a big part of our role at NOEA to make this happen . None more so than in the partnerships between Local Authorities and event organisers .
These are often very circular in their make-up ; many Local Authorities are big believers in the power of events to stimulate local economies and bring joy to local communities . Because of that , event organisers often work in and for Local Authorities , but often they need to work with them to ensure their own event passes the checks and balances needed to go ahead .
This is most applicable in the classic SAG meeting but extends beyond that , into how the host destination wants to welcome , work with , and benefit from the entrepreneurial spirit of the event organiser . For the vast majority of NOEA members , these relationships are easily and highly collaborative . They pass the checks and balances because they are responsible businesses and share the same values as the Local Authority ; after all , everyone wants successful , regulated and safe events . Equally , Local Authorities have experienced people within their organisations , who understand events and work collaboratively with organisers .
When Covid-19 hit however , a lot of these long-lasting structures began to erode . Local Authorities , who were there to assess risk , were also being required to take the lead from national government during the crisis . This led to the general slowing down of the process and the responsibility taken away from those best placed to have it .
This was frustrating , for both the Local Authority and the event organiser . It added further risk to the event and therefore less chances of it taking place . Over the last few months , NOEA has been working hard to help Local Authorities get the power back into their own hands , and regulation was passed earlier last month ( July ) so that they can once again begin to make these decisions , free of influence . At the same time , NOEA continues to work with the event organising community to have conversations that again look to de-risk events and support Local Authorities – whose remits continue to grow and often need all the support they can get .
Members of NOEA will be aware of a number of conversations we ’ ve had within our events on how organisers and Local Authorities can work together better , given the restrictions they are under , and with the shared aspiration of creating events . These have been well received and really productive .
These are scary times for government representatives . Live events present a public risk that – although yet to be proven – put them under a huge amount of pressure . However , they do understand events and are in the best position to make pragmatic decisions . This new guidance finally gives them back the freedom to make these decisions , in partnership with responsible event professionals .
Susan Tanner , CEO , National Outdoor Events Association
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