Like every NOEA member, 2023 was a whirlwind for me. It was a mixture of intensity, reward, firefighting, winning, and losing. It wasn’t a year for reflection though, so I welcome this opportunity to look back at the year as we also look forward to 2024.
Broadly, we have to view 2023 as a success. Not for everyone, and it came at a cost to many. But, with more spectators and audiences flooding back to outdoor events, sporting occasions and musical and cultural festivals, the demand for what we do as an industry has once again been demonstrated.
It was not a year where I think many businesses felt in control. We took on what was thrown at us, we handled it in our usual professional and proficient way, and we delivered, again and again. This year, I hope we can build on this success.
This year we know we’re back; we know we’re valued, and we know we’re better than we ever have been. This year we can be bold in our planning; we can be experimental in our thinking and ambitious for our audiences.
At NOEA we’re advocating for investment and innovation across the industry. Investment in people and resources and encouraging bravery in ideas and creativity. We’ve all been through so much, but we’re out the other side now. It’s time to not just #BuildBackBetter, but to acknowledge that we’re back, better, and bolder than ever.
Susan Tanner, Chief Executive Officer