SUMMER | FEATURE
Joss says , “ With so many new shows and a real skills shortage in the industry , it ’ s the perfect time for ambitious young event professionals to make their way . We are currently hiring interns and the quality of applicants has been incredible . It ’ s important for all businesses to be actively seeking out new talent and providing opportunities for them to gain experience .”
Paying the price Rising costs is an issue that has hit the entire industry hard . Josh Heyburn , MD at Festivall Services , which specialises in event operations and temporary staffing , says , “ At the moment , compared to previous years , people are a lot more hesitant to put pen to paper - especially when it comes to staffing . It ’ s very hard for a festival to gauge how many of those they ’ re going to need when they ’ re still ascertaining how many people are turning up for the show .”
Callum Amos , tour manager and MD at TourMgmt , agrees : “ I ’ ve noticed the uncertainty of the industry - people being scared to book anything because of finances . A lot of people are sitting on quotes and leaving it until the last minute to book .”
As for customer buying habits , Joss says , “ There was a period after Covid where everything sold out in record time but now with so much choice and the cost-of-living crisis hitting customers in the pocket , they are being much more selective about which tickets they buy . We are fortunate in that most of our shows are well established but it ’ s a reminder that everything we do has to be top notch , there ’ s no room for complacency .”
Alexandra Ampofo
Sam Joss
Lana Elworthy
Caitlin Ford
More accessibility With the help of charity Attitude is Everything , the industrywide focus on accessibility has increased . One 30u30 , Samie Boyd , is particularly engaged in the issue and works closely with the charity as summer festival assistant at Live Nation-owned promoter Cuffe and Taylor . Boyd says , “ My sister is in a wheelchair , and we grew up going to gigs together . It ’ s been terrible in the past . Now I ’ m in the industry , I ’ m passionate about making these changes .”
She says the rise of the use of British Sign Language , accessible changing facilities such as Mobiloo , and multi-sensory dancefloors are all positive steps .
Another important topic that has come to the fore is mental health and the wellbeing of workers . Amos says he has approached the charity Tonic Music for Mental Health to get mental health first aid trained , and wants to encourage clients and other freelancers to do the same .
“ For me there are two main focuses : mental health and diversity . NOWIE is doing amazingly on the diversity front and Tonic Music is leading the way for the industry ’ s mental health training .”
Another AAA 30u30 , Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival coordinator Naomi Hollas , set up Event Grads during the pandemic , which has become a popular community for event students and graduates .
Hollas says she set up the group after being made redundant and feeling like there was little information or support out there for young event professionals .
Boyd shares a similar view but says the increase in internships from the likes of Live Nation and the support of big industry names including Sacha Lord has helped : “ When you ’ re in the industry you ’ ve got the support to help you progress your career , but helping people take that initial first step is where we can improve .”
Despite the challenges , the live events industry appears to be moving in the right direction with help from a new generation of passionate young event professionals .
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