Associations

The UK Events Industry has a very dynamic and progressive heritage, so it is not surprising that there are a very large number of trade associations that operate across the 7 core sectors, with long established guilds and professional membership organisations representing the variety and diversity found across the industry.

From the Showman’s Guild (established in 1889) to beam – which celebrated 25 years with a refreshed and repositioned identity – the UK Events Industry associations provide services and support to a very wide range of individual and organisation members.  Navigating your way around these associations to find out what they have to offer and what type of membership model they work on has been challenging in the past – which is why The Power of Events is showcasing all of the major UK event industry associations in order to help you make an informed choice about which association membership would be of benefit for you and/or your business.

Most associations tend to offer membership services that attract people working in either specific sectors or multiple sector service delivery, enabling them to share continuous professional development, best practice, discounts on products and services such as insurance, regular education and networking events and the opportunity to volunteer for working groups or even helping to run the association itself.

Associations also have the remit to engage with government departments such as DTI, DCMS and the Treasury to promote their sector and the wider industry’s socio-economic contribution to the economy and their positive impact on society and communities. They also lobby for inclusion in either long term targeted growth and development programmes or critical targeted tax, regulatory or other financial support policies.

The complex eco-system that makes up the UK Events industry is mirrored in the number of different trade associations available. From venue bookers to International Convention Centres, show ground owners to concert promoters and comedy clubs there will be an association that celebrates and supports very specific categories of skills and services. Choosing the right trade association to join will be determined by the sector that you work in and the professional development that you are looking for. Some offer individual memberships and others corporate.  Being clear about what you need and what they have to offer you is key to that selection process. From formal training to informal networking, awards, workshops and member discounts, the range of benefits and value offered by many trade associations is frequently comprehensive. They often fulfil key roles in representing their sectors interests with the UK government and other key stakeholders, so active membership gives you the chance to help shape those conversations.