Insight: Issue 88 (20 April)

Post Easter greetings to one and all!

Our team of event news sleuths are back once again, both with the Renegade Master, and to deliver events news from far and wide. In our colourful news kaleidoscope, we have: “Sustainability is a global movement,” says Human Experience agency Identity; CEO of event tech provider ExpoPlatform examines what the war in Ukraine means for the events industry; Glasgow gears up for a Summer of events; and the Royal Highland Show to livestream across the globe.

So put that last chocolate egg down, and let’s get cracking….

“Sustainability is a global movement,” says Identity

In what is an important and vital message for the events industry, Human experience agency Identity believes sustainability is no longer a trend, and has become a global movement.

Yasmin Keenan, head of marketing at Identity, reaffirms this by saying, “We believe the boundaries of what constitutes a sustainable event will be pushed even further to include both social sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Having an event that touches on these key areas is essential. This is not just a trend for us, this is a global movement that will skyrocket over the coming months and years”, she concludes.

What does the war in Ukraine mean for the events industry?

Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of event tech provider ExpoPlatform says the events industry can make a difference to the future of her motherland if we wake up and stand up.

She says,” We’ve all been touched by this, and we will all continue to be touched by this in psychological and economic terms. The war will fundamentally change lives now and for many years to come.

The events industry will also play a big role in restructuring the food industry as there will continue to be significant disruption in this area.

Many exhibition organisers, including Informa, IMEX Clarion, Messe Frankfurt, Messe Dusseldorf and others have already stood up and banned Russian exhibitors from participating in their events. Associations such as UFI AEO, MPI and ICCA have made their position clear by suspending Russian members and pledging not to enter into any new agreements while the invasion continues.

As we move forward, events will play a huge role in providing platforms for the international business community to build and strengthen relationships, discover opportunities, and help our exhibitors and sponsors to survive by finding new suppliers and product replacements.”

To read this full, frank and fascinating interview, click here.

Glasgow celebrates the return of a social life as events resume across the city

One thing’s for sure, Glasgow loves a party – and there’s plenty going on in The Dear green Place this Summer to appease even the most fervent reveller, like this guy below….

From Trnsmt to The Riverside Festival, Summer Nights @ The Kelvingrove Bandstand and Piping Live, Glasgow’s got your Summer Festival season covered….hail, rain or shine (but most probably rain).

Find out more about the full list here.

Royal Highland Show to livestream across the globe

In what has been described as a ‘game changer’ for the Royal Highland Show, organisers have successfully secured £200,000 of funding from the Scottish Government to livestream this year’s 200th anniversary event across the globe.

The announcement follows on from the success of the Royal Highland Showcase in 2021, which saw a total audience of 345,701 viewers watch the action online from across 97 countries.

Bill Gray, Chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), organisers of the Royal Highland Show, said: “This is a hugely exciting announcement which will allow us to bring the best of food, farming, and rural Scotland to audiences across the globe.

“The value the Show brings to the economy and also to Scotland the brand is reflected in the level of support we have received from the Scottish Government, for which we are very grateful.”

We’re delighted to hear this news – after all, who doesn’t love a celebration of all things Scottish?

Have a lovely week folks!
As always – #EventsWithUkraine