There is no question that every industry and all individuals across the United States and the globe are feeling the economic impact of the ongoing pandemic. It is likely that government relief efforts will support a wide array of businesses. However, the event industry in particular has been uniquely and immediately impacted – and may not survive without your attention.
With over a decade of experience in the event production and related experiential industries, my team and I believe it is our obligation to voice the financial devastation the disruption has created. The majority of those impacted are smaller businesses.
The world is trying hard to navigate this uncharted territory. The harsh reality is that many event companies soon may not exist without any real support.
History shows that larger players in more understood and recognized industries should be okay. But while focus shifts to things like airlines, the event world and all of its components and personnel need that same attention.
A lot of people from all walks of life need help. Just don’t take some, like the event industry, for granted by not understanding its unique challenges and how it can fall in between the cracks of relief efforts. Sole proprietors may not get unemployment benefits in the same way. Small and midsized organizations may not get what they need for survival in the face of being unable to generate revenue for a long period of time. The government packages have gaps that will not adequately help certain organizations: nearly all event related businesses fall into those gaps. Event companies have zero revenue opportunities right now, have expended countless hours already into canceled projects and are reeling.
Our goal as a company is to bring awareness to the challenges that our industry faces and shine a light on what action individuals can and should take in order to support.
We encourage you to look to the future and continue to plan your events and celebrations. Whether that be in the spring or summer, continue to book (anywhere and with anyone). Anything that you were planning to do, you should still plan to do when we return to normalcy. In fact, you are going to want and need to spend time together with friends, colleagues, co-workers and even some fun-loving strangers.
No one understands the uncertainty of the present like I do. However, we will return to normal and when we do, you are going to want and need these event professionals and resources. If you can act now, you should. Book a graduation party, office function and anything else you want for later this spring and summer. You’ll be thankful that you did and you very well may be saving the jobs and company of those that you work with.
By Chris Sinclair
Founder, The Anthem Group