A national campaign was launched at PLASA Show 2024 to educate young people about the vast range of exciting career opportunities available in the ‘Live Events’ sector.
The campaign is being coordinated by leading events technology provider Adlib in partnership with key industry organisations such as PLASA (The Professional Lighting and Sound Association trade body), The Power of Events (UK), Production Futures and LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment), a federation of live music associations.
Adlib has produced a 20-minute film which highlights the myriad of different jobs within a dynamic industry that is currently estimated to be worth over £70b to the UK economy. Watch the full video here.
Andy Dockerty, Adlib’s Founder and Director, says: “The events industry is one of the largest sectors in the UK with many of its specialisms developing rapidly. Most elements of the delivery of Live Events are unknown outside of the events industry and consequently not made available as an option to young people. As an industry we need to be directly engaging with schools, colleges, universities, local authorities, and Government to enable us to get the message out there about the fantastic opportunities and careers in the Live Events industry which isn’t just about the performers”.
The film specifically captures what goes into the staging of a major live music event and focuses on all the various specialisms that are needed to deliver a successful project from the initial communication to the finished delivery.
Andy, who is also Vice-Chair of PLASA and a member of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, adds: “On completing the film, we were delighted that industry-established organisations were keen to work together to collectively ensure school children from 12 upwards have a far greater awareness of the Live Events Industry”.
Leading showcase organisation The Power of Events were keen to collaborate with Adlib to distribute and support the film as part of their recently launched UK-wide school’s engagement programme. Founder Rick Stainton comments: “This brilliant video will add an additional invaluable layer of engagement and education to young people in our nationwide programme to encourage them to consider the UK Events Industry as a viable career – the insight into the huge range of jobs roles on offer will match their broad variety of backgrounds and interests.”
Sophie Beasor, Head of Operations & Engagement, added: “The Power of Events is thrilled to lend its unique cross-seven sector reach to The Making of Live Events campaign. The video and related content will help reaffirm the industry’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of event professionals across the UK as part of The Power of Events’ Schools Engagement Programme.”
Production Futures an established leader in linking education to industry will utilise Adlib’s film as part of their initiative to inspire young people into careers behind the scenes of stage and screen. CEO Hannah Eakins said: “Production Futures is excited to collaborate with Adlib, LIVE, PLASA and The Power of Events on this important mission to highlight all hidden job roles across the production industry. We can’t wait to share the video with our diverse community of young people, parents, teachers, tutors, career advisors and production newcomers.”
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE, says his organisation will help to ensure, through its communication and lobbying infra-structure, that the film and the industry will be represented at Government levels. He said: “Live music brings joy to millions and is economically significant. Delivering gigs, festivals and tours needs a dedicated, expert team supporting the talent on stage. Raising awareness of the range of roles available, and the routes into those roles, can only strengthen our sector. Congratulations to Adlib for leading on this excellent initiative that will help foster the next generation of off-stage talent.”
Meanwhile Andy Dockerty says PLASA will liaise directly with the industry to develop ‘Work Experience’ opportunities with sector members. Dockerty said: “This industry collaboration is a huge commitment from the sector to inspire young people and to make them aware of the vast opportunities available to them across this incredible industry”.
Adlib’s film (http://liveevents.careers/) is being launched at PLASA’s Live Entertainment Tech Show in London from September 1-3 and will then be showcased at events around the UK over the next 12 months.
About Adlib
Adlib has grown into one of the UK’s and Europe’s leading audio, lighting, video, rigging and staging suppliers. Adlib provides specialist technical support services to international stars and to arenas, stadia, theatres, and festivals. Adlib has supplied technical productions to stars including Sam Fender, Jason Derulo, The Script, Janelle Monae, Westlife, and many more. The company also provides technical support to arenas, stadia, theatres, and festivals. Regarded as one of the most well-known and respected names in the technical services industry, Adlib currently employs 215 full-time staff and over 400 freelancers.
In 2024 Adlib completed a Management Buyout with John Hughes assuming the role of Managing Director to lead the company into its next phase of growth and innovation. Andy Dockerty retained a director role and works closely with the team but with focus shifting towards the mentorship of Adlib’s young engineers. www.adlib.co.uk
About PLASA
PLASA is the lead international membership body for those who supply technologies and services to the event and entertainment industries. The Association works to ensure that each sector is fully represented and plays an active role in highlighting best practice and safe working conditions. Members provide products and services to events and entertainment around the globe. From pro lighting and audio to creative production and stage crew.
PLASA supports its members by providing advisory and support services across business, technical, safety and regulatory issues, as well as a range of membership benefits, events and training courses, including three industry-recognised certification and training programs for riggers and production technicians. The Association works actively with its members through its Membership Governing Body and specialist working groups. This continual collaboration creates opportunities for all members and shares knowledge, enabling businesses and individuals to grow personally and professionally, benefiting the wider industry. www.plasa.org
About Power of Events (UK)
The Power of Events (UK) is a not-for-profit company established in 2022 and is a 21st century platform dedicated to showcase, value and respect the UK Events Industry. Central to its mission is the Schools Engagement Programme, which aims to inspire young people to consider a career in events. This programme provides a unique opportunity for young talents to gain an understanding of the events sector, inspiring future professionals and equipping them with essential skills. In 2023 it launched the Events Industry Insight App, a powerful digital tool offering real-time data and analytics. This app empowers users and researchers alike to better understand our diverse and complex industry. By fostering collaboration between across the seven sectors and four nations, The Power of Events aims to elevate the UK events industry, ensuring its continued growth and innovation. www.powerofevents.org
About Production Futures
Production Futures is an entertainment production industry initiative inspiring people into careers behind the scenes of the stage and screen. Production Futures tours events around the UK connecting people to free industry training, apprenticeships, courses, paid work, and networking opportunities. Alongside the tour, Production Futures runs the Breakthrough Talent Awards which recognises newcomers, an online industry jobs and training platform and a recently launched podcast available on YouTube. Production Futures also offers the free use of its jobs board to industry as well which is free for any company to post work opportunities of all stages and free for anyone to use.
About LIVE
The UK live music industry entertains over 30 million fans each year. The sector boasts world-class performance spaces, culture-defining festivals, and our passionate, creative workforce builds global superstars that are the pride of the United Kingdom. LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) is the voice of the UK’s live music and entertainment business. LIVE members are a federation of 16 live music industry associations representing 3,150 businesses, over 34,000 artists and 2,000 backstage workers.
LIVE works to ensure that the interests of live music in the UK are understood and communicated to Government, policymakers, regulators, the public and the wider music and entertainment industries. Through collective representation, LIVE promotes the interests of artists, venues, festivals, promoters, booking agents, crew, and production suppliers. LIVE was initially formed in response to the unprecedented pressure and devastation faced by the industry due to COVID-19 and is structured around four pillars: lobbying, economic analysis, messaging, and skills & diversity. Its work is driven by a series of sub committees on topics including festivals & outdoor events, venues, touring, and sustainability. www.livemusic.biz
