LAST WORD
The events industry relies on seamless collaboration between organisers , suppliers and venues to create successful and memorable events . Understanding best practices for transitioning between these venues is crucial to ensure the smooth and successful execution of an event .
What better way to maintain that understanding than using the ultimate best practice guide to aid the transfer of shows from one venue to the next ?
The Association of Event Venues ( AEV ) produces an eGuide to meet industry standards , best practices and the latest legislation ; helping organisers , exhibitors and suppliers navigate the challenges associated with venue changes and to ensure consistency and quality throughout the process .
The eGuide is a comprehensive industry guide serving as a crucial resource for compliance and standards , encompassing a wide range of topics related to venue operation and management , from security and electrics to accessibility and catering .
It wasn ’ t always this easy . Back in 2007 , it was common to have varied requirements not only between venues but counties too . And so , the strategic decision was made to create something to bring consistency to running events across the UK through a single point of reference . The AEV eGuide working group has been in place ever since .
This working group ( one of AEV ’ s 15 ) brings together event professionals with extensive knowledge and
58 — Autumn
Rachel Parker
Getting the best out of best practices
Rachel Parker , AEV director details the work that goes into updating an annual eGuide to help organisers work with member venues
experience with the primary purpose of managing and revising this single , user-friendly resource , offering clear and succinct guidance , whilst accurately representing the latest legislation and best practices .
We all recognise the importance of making sure anyone visiting or working at our venues is always kept safe , but it is the greatest priority of our eGuide working group members .
The security section , for example , has been amended to include a reference to counter-terrorism in light of the upcoming Martyn ’ s Law Terrorism ( Protection of Premises ) Bill , highlighting what the industry can and should be doing to increase the level of preparedness against a terror attack .
Although the eGuide is driven by the adoptee venues , it cannot be compiled without the support of the organisers and suppliers .
We work with our sister associations ( AEO and ESSA ), to feed into the process and fully represent the industry .
Our eGuide adoptee working group meets twice annually and a subcommittee meets once a quarter to constantly review the eGuide . It ’ s re-launched annually to ensure it remains current , providing a vital resource for anyone working in any of the adoptee venues .
Any sections that haven ’ t been highlighted by legislation are on a three to four-year review cycle .
This year , 23 of the 57 eGuide sections have been revised ; including imports and exports , lifting operations , work equipment and feature areas , and the disability section has evolved to accessibility . Venues can also now include specific venue guidance .
As a comprehensive reference guide ( written in layperson ’ s terms ) the eGuide is often the first point of call for guidance and is considered an invaluable resource .
Operational teams benefit from referring to it for events in all venues , turning to it for specific details both in the UK and when working internationally ( where many countries lack comparable national guidance for similar events ).
It offers a vast repository of benchmark standards accessible to the entire industry beyond the Events Industry Alliance ( AEV / AEO / ESSA ) family .
At AEV , we fully recognise the need for everyone to get the best out of best practices . The eGuide , with highlighted changes and the option to download five sections independently for added convenience , is now available on the AEV website .