Live events can drive through lethargy. There is a need for
communication, passion and motivation that is created by our society and live
events deliver these needs.
I know our industry is ready for this next challenge. We’ve been through a recession before and our industry survived. Therefore, we are prepared!
Well done to all involved in what was truly an incredible opening ceremony last night for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Alexander Stadium came to life and has put the UK, specifically Birmingham, on the map for delivering world-class events.
It’s been ten years since the London 2012 Summer Olympics, which was a spectacular performance for its time. Last night demonstrated the desire to equally captivate an audience, with a perfect combination of mechanics, technology, and emotionally human performance.
From the giant bull, and centre stage screens, to the dancers – all wonderfully inclusive, and choreographed to tell a story of the region’s history, development, and hope.
Over the next 10 days, we’ll see more of Birmingham’s amazing venues come to life as the games take place. Some of our favourite venues that we know and love, such as The NEC, Birmingham, Edgbaston Stadium, Coventry Building Society Arena, and many more, will be hosting a range of sports. And I’m also excited to see the Sandwell Aquatics Centre – the only brand-new venue built for the Games. I understand this venue will be re-configured post games, so it will be interesting to see if it’s one we can use for meetings and event spaces in the future.
Finally, with the excitement of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, let’s not forget that the Lionesses will be taking to the stage again on Sunday as they face Germany in the Women’s Euros Final. Good luck, ladies; you have already made the nation proud!
I am pleased to see a confirmed date for when we will have a new Prime Minister to lead our country, and I hope there will be a focus on making Britain a place for people to do business, visit, work, and live.
I firmly believe that there should be a focus on rebuilding. The new Government must have an outward-looking approach rather than the existing inward-looking we have endured these past few years.
Hopefully, the new Government will get this right under whomever it may be. They must rebuild the trust of the country through their achievements.
They could look to our industry for an example. Brought to its knees during Covid, meetings and events were rejuvenated through virtual and hybrid events when needed. And we’re now thriving with live events being so busy again. One example is the fantastic summer of sports events ahead.
The Commonwealth Games is kicking off in Birmingham next week, and how proud the Lionesses are making us by reaching the Semi-finals of the Women’s Euros – another fantastic tournament held on home turf. Both worldwide watched events are putting Britain on the map and showcasing some amazing stadiums across the country and how well we can deliver world-class events.
The future should look at building the economy however needed. This will provide solutions to most of the country’s challenges. Whether that will happen is a different question. The two potential leaders of the current party with power have incredibly different views on rebuilding.
Liz Truss is all for significant and immediate tax cuts, claiming they’re needed to avoid recession and jumpstart our economy – and that ‘economic orthodoxy’ of all governments over the past 20 years was wrong. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak staunchly believes that tax cuts would be inflationary and that we must wait for them.
No matter who wins, it will be a tough job. The industry will have little choice but to work with what we end up with to succeed. And let’s face it, that’s pretty much this industry’s story of the last few years!
