Article originally published on Open Air Business - The Outdoor Hospitality Magazine.

For the last two years the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO), just like the rest of the industry, has been suffering blow after blow. Should we operate, should we not? Will we be able to get the stocks? Will the government give us some insurance cover? Has the supply chain collapsed? Can the Arts Council help with funding? These and many other questions have crossed my desk on several occasions since the early days of the pandemic.

The EIF has helped to fund the Vision2025 Impact Report 2021. See report below.

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You are invited to complete the PCMA EMEA 2022 Engagement Survey (here) which will be open until Wednesday 9th February. Thank you for your help as this will help better understand your needs and type of support that would help you and your organisation develop.  

beam is now the new name of the trade association for the business events, accommodation and meetings sector formerly known as the HBAA.

More than 90 members and partners attended the online meeting to mark and celebrate the transition and to hear news from beam board members of several major developments and initiatives.

Many thanks to everyone that joined us just before Xmas (OIOV Taskforce) and many OIOV supporters last week for the 3x one hour sessions, updating you on the future plans for OIOV. We have now presented the clear path forward to 100+ industry leaders from across the 7 core sectors. Reflecting the comprehensive representation that coalesced around the OIOV initiative, it was really good to see the variety of people that joined us. We had leading agencies, venues, festival organisers, trade associations, music and corporate producers, production companies and freelance talent in the mix – and we are really grateful to all of you for giving us both your time and support.