Event Production Network (EPN), an exclusive networking club open solely to event production companies, has launched.
The private network encourages event production companies to meet in person and to talk openly and respectfully to assist in creating better industry standards.
The first EPN meeting was held at Event Buyers Live in November and was attended by nine event production companies – We Group, Proud Events, The Zoo, Slammin Events, Heartwood Events, Eye of the Storm Events, Go For, We Organise Chaos and Sound Channel UK/New Citizens – which are now founding members.
Clare Goodchild, project director at We Organise Chaos, said: “The EPN meeting in November allowed like-minded production companies to come together and discuss our challenges, our predictions for the coming year, and our current experiences of the event climate. As busy event professionals, the opportunities to sit down with one another in a supportive and collaborative space do not happen very often, so this was an unmissable chance for us to learn, grow, and examine how we can make things better for the industry, focusing on collaboration and not competition.”
Event production companies wishing to join EPN can not only meet face-to-face four times a year, but they can also liaise via a private LinkedIn group.
What’s essential to the network’s success is that everyone communicates confidentially and regularly, values each other’s input and recognises EPN as a valuable resource where everyone can discuss key matters – including challenges, budgets and rates – that massively impact live event delivery and management.
Ben Whur, co-founder of Proud Events and another founding member of EPN, said: “I co-founded Proud Events ten years ago and have seen how the live events industry has changed. To be able to discuss these changes and how we react as an industry is priceless, so when the idea for EPN came about, being involved was a no-brainer.
“To echo Clare’s words, the key to EPN is collaboration, not competition. We don’t want people to think they are sharing their trade secrets or USPs with the ‘competition’. EPN is more than that. It’s an opportunity to raise standards, share insight and experiences – good and bad – and collectively support one another.”
Neil Fagg, managing director of StandOut Multimedia, concurred. He said: “How many times a day do you hear people talking about how communication and collaboration are key in business today? But how many people walk the talk?
“I believe the event production companies who serve so many live events are the instrumental link between promoter and supply chain, yet do not get the headlines or airtime they deserve and need. Hence, why I thought EPN was needed after gathering feedback from industry. It’s an inclusive group where everyone is equal. It’s a level playing field where everyone’s opinions are respected and valid, and I believe it’s an opportunity for everyone to talk with honesty and integrity. The chance to sit with your perceived competition and have a proper conversation is scarce, so I hope people recognise the power of sharing information to create a stronger sector.”
The next private EPN meeting will be held at the AIF’s Festival Congress on February 5.
•If you’d like to understand the group further or have any suggestions or input, please emailneil@standoutmagazine.co.uk, call 01795 509113 or request to join the LinkedIn group.
