The Event Organisers Forum gave event and festival organisers the opportunity to hear first-hand the details of running a successful and safe event.
Teignbridge has always been a fantastic place to host events and festivals of all shapes and sizes. Our superb location and accessible transport links offer a unique and convenient setting in a landscape which boasts beauty in variety.
Teignbridge District Council looks to embrace and support the events industry in a variety of ways – one of which was the Event Organisers Forum (EOF). The Forum gave event planners an opportunity to partake in discussion and present questions to members of the emergency services and local government representatives to ensure their event runs as smoothly and safely as possible.
The Forum evolved out of the Teignbridge Safety Advisory Group (TSAG) to provide event organisers with a one stop shop of all the tools and guidance they need, all in a face to face setting.
The 2017 EOF included specialist guests from the police, the highways agency, noise, health and safety, licensing, safeguarding and sanitation & food safety. The Earl of Devon opened with a keynote speech talking about planning for large events at Powderham Castle, including the very successful Radio 1 Big Weekend in 2016.
Impact of the project
We anticipate that any issues that may arise for future events can either be averted, or are likely to be flagged much earlier now that planners have the information and guidance they need. Opportunities like this allows the Council to engage with those who use and rely on our services. Building strong relationships between council/emergency services and event planners is central to achieving a booming events industry which combines great entertainment with safety at hand.
The Forum was greatly received by attendees, whilst the specialist reps recall the variety and breadth of the conversations they had and advice they offered. Guests provided positive feedback on what more the Council can do to promote and develop the events industry in Teignbridge – suggestions we intend to follow up. Enabling event organisers not only to network with the relevant authorities, but also to network amongst themselves we hope will spur greater dialogue and cooperation between event planners.
Looking to the future
The success of the first EOF in April 2017 has committed us to looking at the possibility of running another forum in October or November 2017. The team is looking at how we can promote the forum to an even greater number of participants and to invite a greater number of specialists covering additional areas. We also seek to promote this type of initiative to other councils, especially those in the South West of England who enjoy a thriving and diverse events industry of their own.
Key learning points
- Networking between local authorities, emergency services and event organisers face to face can have a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties.
- Demonstrating the Council’s commitment to our events industry helps to strengthen positive relations with those who rely on our services and helps to boost the local economy.
- Investing in knowledge and guidance can build a safer environment for festivals and events to flourish.
Contact details:
Tom Winters
Economy Projects Officer