It was a pleasure to welcome our members to the Production Services Association AGM at the Pestana Hotel, Chelsea in February. There’s something energising about getting our community in the same room: freelancers, employees and business owners. People who understand the pace, pressure and pride that comes with making live production happen. We heard feedback, shared progress, and left with a mandate: make membership even stronger and even more valuable. Thank you to everyone who attended, voted and contributed in-person or online.
With membership standing at over 2,500, the conversation reflected an evolving expectation from the members. 2025 saw investment in the foundations that make the PSA work smoothly: upgrading our communication, website and financial systems. It’s been hard work but valuable. The result for 2026, a more member-engaging experience, allowing everyone access to a range of growing support. Focus on service is now shaping everything we do in 2026. First and foremost, we’re strengthening industry representation even further. Making sure the realities of live production are understood by those who influence our work. We’re sharing guidance, resources and updates that help members stay informed and protected, from evolving better standards to sharing information on wider regulatory developments. Alongside industry representation, we’re committed to delivering practical value in day-to-day life. PSA membership includes access to PSAdditions, helping members recover the cost of membership through discounts and deals on services such as gym membership, airport parking, insurances and cinema tickets. We’re also continuing to negotiate partner-led industry discounts such as hearing protection, kit tracking, visa applications and wellbeing services.
Training and professional development remain a core priority. We’re particularly proud of the momentum behind our bursary scheme, now known as the Dave Keighley Bursary, which is gaining real interest across the membership. It exists to help members strengthen skills, broaden awareness and increase professional employment opportunities by contributing up to 25% of course costs (up to £250) per application. Alongside this are further training courses, webinars and online learning opportunities designed to help people progress at every career stage, regardless of age or current position. Equally important is the support available when things get tough. Through our signposting to Stage Hand, Backup Tech, Music Support and others, we highlight available support and guidance on hardship grants, wellbeing and other resources that understand touring and freelance life.
Noting 2026, it would be remiss not to congratulate TPi on the silver anniversary of the TPi Awards. It was a fantastic night and a powerful reminder of the talent, teamwork and ingenuity that drives our industry forward.
Congratulations and continued thanks are also essential to our newly elected and returning council, who volunteer their time and energy for the good of our association and wider industry.
If you’re reading this and not a PSA member, we’d encourage your involvement and support by joining. Our community is supportive, knowledgeable and passionate. The more voices we have, the stronger our representation, and the richer our collective knowledge becomes. Being part of it benefits us all professionally and personally.
Words: Tom Rees
Photo: PSA
