A new trade
association designed to bring event agencies and suppliers together under one
umbrella has launched.
The Event
Society, founded by former Alliance of Independent Event Agencies (AIEA)
chairman Chris Walls, aims to create closer collaboration between event
management companies and supply-chain partners through networking, training and
knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The
organisation has already attracted 24 agency members, from across the whole
Agency spectrum since opening in May, collectively representing around £15
million of event business across the UK and overseas.
Walls said the
association was created to address what he sees as a longstanding disconnect
between agencies and suppliers. “The Event Society is very much designed with
collaboration, proprietary equality and a complete team approach in mind.
There are
plenty of organisations that represent agencies and plenty that support
suppliers, but there has been a gap when it comes to bringing both sides of the
industry together in a meaningful way," he said.
"Events
are delivered through partnerships. Agencies and suppliers rely on one another
every day, yet there hasn't really been a dedicated community focused on
strengthening those relationships and encouraging collaboration across the
entire supply chain."
The Event
Society describes itself as a member-led collective focused on helping
organisations build stronger commercial relationships, access specialist
expertise and share best practice.
Membership is
open to agencies and suppliers operating across sectors including AV, event
technology, marketing, print, legal services, insurance and HR. Applicants are
required to provide references as part of the vetting process.
Walls said the
organisation was intended to complement, rather than compete with, existing
industry associations.
"We're
not trying to replace any of the excellent industry bodies that already
exist," he said.
"Our role
is different. We want to create a trusted environment where agencies and
suppliers can learn from each other, solve challenges together and ultimately
deliver better events for clients."
“We’re aiming
to be much more of a business group, rather than a nice to have. It’s about
winning business and having reciprocal relationships. We’re trying to make the
supply chain as strong as possible to win business from clients.”
The Society
held its inaugural member meeting in May at Fairmont Windsor Park, where
attendees discussed future priorities for the organisation.
According to
Walls, the group's development will be guided by a set of core principles
including integrity, accountability, respect, empathy, relationships and
passion.
Future plans
include member training sessions, specialist clinics, familiarisation visits
and networking events aimed at supporting collaboration across the events
sector.
“We’re
fulfilling a gap in the market,” added Walls. “It’s quite a narrow gap, but an
important gap nonetheless. We’re not trying to replace anyone, we’re trying to
float in the middle of that landscape.”
The website https://www.eventsociety.co.uk provides
further details.
