Uncertainty dominates for the live events industry in 2021.

2020 has been a catastrophic year for anyone working on the live events industry throughout the world. For those in Europe the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been further compounded by the BREXIT negotiations and the potential fallout from any agreement on freedom of travel throughout Europe in the future.  

For performance artists, event organisers and any associated event suppliers and service companies they all start 2021 with an element of uncertainty about the future. All live events in 2021 will have to comply with any coronavirus infection prevention measures implemented by governments and other responsible authorities. These measures are getting more clarity as time goes on and the situation is expected to remain fluid until the pandemic comes under some degree of control. Fast forward six months it would be safe to assume that borders will be open and international travel has resumed albeit under a more rigorous regime and a much-reduced volume. Live events organisers are already planning events and festivals from mid 2021 but what are the areas of concern for live events planned for later in 2021?

Performance Artists. 
For UK events that involve artists from EU countries and British artists planning to perform at live events around other EU countries there is likely to be a requirement for some kind or work permit. Although this is yet to be finalised it does add an additional layer of complexity to artist bookings. However, arrangements of visa and work permits has always existed for performance artists travelling to and from countries outside the EU. 

Live Event Organisers.
Any organiser making plans for 2021 events have already been planning their events with contingency plans built in but when curating artists, they will have to ensure their processes and procedures for artist booking documentation on their advances are updated with any new requirements. There are also implications for the booking of event suppliers so expect them to focus on local in-country suppliers.

Events Industry Suppliers and Logistics Companies. 
Most live event organisers will be focussing on locally sourced companies, however for touring artists who travel with their equipment expect there to be new rules and regulations for transport between the UK and EU. There are numerous proposals and sources of information on what this could mean and needs to be incorporated into logistics plans.

There is a fair amount of scaremongering going on but with thorough planning and built-in contingencies there is no reason why cross border movement of performance artists and equipment should prevent internationally themed live events form taking place. It is likely to be another level of paperwork and documentation that is required and event organisers need to implement this in their planning schedules and logistics. 

For any live event organisers planning their 2021 events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need to plan every aspect of their event. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists (including visa and work permit requirements), contractors, vendors, volunteers, sponsors guestlists and ticketing.  

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