By R.V. Baugus
On September 1, venues were awash in red to symbolically unite and raise public and media awareness in support of the live events sector that has suffered so greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Under #WeMakeEvents, a coalition of trade bodies, business, unions, and live events workers, venues, and even homes and cities took on a distinct red to raise awareness for many of the following daunting numbers:
Live events employ over 12 million people.
Live events contributes over $1 trillion annually to the US economy.
95% of live events have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
96% of companies have cut staff and/or wages.
77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income, including 97% of 1099 workers.
IAVM is a supporter of the initiative, and many member venues splashed on red on September 1.
In all, more than 5,000 buildings across North America were illuminated in red, or the “red alert” code for survival as well as extending Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
From the top: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, ExtraMile Arena Bridgestone Arena, London’s Royal Albert Hall, Thomas & Mack Center
