The Power of Events: Connecting the UK events sector

After months of build up, The Power of Events – a new platform that looks to bring together the seven sectors that make up the UK event industry – launched its website during an open day in London’s latest venue, HERE at Outernet. Founder, Rick Stainton led proceedings by providing a tour of the platform, which allows end users to explore the UK event industry across all sectors, and provides an access to all the key events industry communities. 

The brand evolved from the One Industry One Voice campaign, launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As a response to the lessons learned during that time and with the realisation that there was a need to improve the data and research required to support the UK event industry, The Power of Events was established to continue building on the cross-sector collaboration and commitment to showcasing all aspects of the industry.

Stainton and his team have suggested that there are seven core groups when it comes to the UK live events markets; business and brand experiences, bespoke sports events, exhibitions and congress, outdoor events and festivals, music and live performances, public and third sector, as well as weddings and private events. The new online platform will act as a centre point to showcase content from all seven sectors including overview videos, profile industry organisations, post relevant news articles and outline all the key industry events dates calendar. 

As well as providing resources, one of the platform’s key goals is to build a community – one that transcends the various factions within the wider events space. “Bringing together leading event businesses and organisations with academic support from ten university partners has the potential to be a game changer in the way our industry is seen and understood,” commented Stainton. 

“Making those connections was the first step – now we strive to curate those relationships to help deliver robust data for the industry and evidence-based research. None of this would have been possible without the fantastic support we’ve had from all of our partners and supporters. We want to acknowledge and thank them for their commitment and belief in this mission.” 

With the website now live, a further web insight app will be launched in Spring as well as a four nation-spanning roadshow. 

Stainton urged people to explore the platform, share it with others and suggest feedback to help make it as comprehensive, representative and contemporary as possible. 

www.thepowerofevents.org