CONTENT DIRECTOR Christopher Barrett
REPORTER Joe Gallop
SALES DIRECTOR James Linin
EPS EVENT DIRECTOR Joanne Knowles
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Sabrina Boucher
CLASSIFIED MANAGER Luke Elliott
PAGE PRODUCTION PA Media
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Another year , another set of challenges . Among the most notable current causes of concern is how the events industry will be impacted by the Government ’ s reduced energy support package for UK businesses , which comes into force at the end of March . No matter the scale of event , costs are likely to be up considerably this year and while events such as Glastonbury have sold out swiftly despite a considerable hike in ticket price , naturally there are serious concerns among operators of the hundreds of events that do not command such huge media support .
As the 2023 summer events season begins to take shape , we gauge the views of key professionals across music , sport and cultural events , about the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead ( p18 ). We also hear from incoming Association of Independent Festivals CEO John Rostron ( p29 ) about his plans to evolve the organisation and what ’ s at the top of his to-do list this year .
There is a focus in this issue on key London venues . With Wembley Stadium celebrating its centenary , venue director Liam Boylan ( p53 ) outlines plans to build on the existing momentum following a recordbreaking 2022 . Over at The O2 ( p49 ), Steve Sayer is preparing for a string of enhancements to the venue , and Roundhouse ’ s head of events Rhiân Pressley ( p69 ) outlines what the opening of Roundhouse Works will mean for grassroots talent .
As proven during the pandemic , the best way for the events industry to tackle challenges successfully is to collaborate . Across key subjects including sustainability , recruitment and the supply chain , leading events professionals united at the inaugural Access All Areas Conference & Awards ( p40 ) to discuss the best ways to deal with industry-wide issues . It was also a great opportunity to celebrate the many major achievements seen across the sector last year . Congratulations to all the winners , and many thanks to all who supported the event .
Christopher Barrett , Content Director
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