Not to be confused with an apocalyptic future, more of a metaphor for planning ahead and being aware of all that the (very short term) future could bring to all of us in the events community.

Also, not intended as a way of distracting all of you professionals as you execute your current plans at events across the country, bringing joy, cultural enrichment, and escapism to millions. But, like many promoters, producers, and organisers, we do need to keep an eye on next year, and the year after that … and beyond.

2024 is no different. Globally, the collective populations of over half of humanity will be in countries having elections this year. As I write some of the biggest are going to the polls.

At the same time, we now have a date for the UK election, and we know when the big one – the US – will take place later this year. Like any major event, we need plans, and contingency; no matter how large or small, these changes will affect us all.

How they’ll affect us, we just don’t know. We can speculate, everyone will have an opinion, but at NOEA we prefer to gauge our own opinions and conclusions from within out community. So, its perfect timing that it just so happens that our own convention takes place Tuesday, 26th November 24.

By then most of these world changing events will have happened and we’ll be seeing the first hints of the micro and macro impacts they will have. As this happens, we see it as a great time to collaborate as an industry.

The NOEA Convention has a great reputation for open discussion, and everyone usually inputs into the many conversations that take place. This year we’re packing the agenda full so we can have more of these forums, but we’re also extending networking opportunities; people are coming to talk.

At the same time, and excuse the shameless plug, we’ll be having our Awards, later that evening. We’re encouraging members and non-members to put forward events, partners, people that they feel best reflect the best of this industry. This is important, for us we need to acknowledge an uncertain future, but also celebrate the continuous excellence of who we are and what we do.

Regardless, its time to plan ahead. To think about the consequences of what is happening now and for the rest of the year and to get talking. Collaboration, networking, and shared thinking are all by-words of the events industry. We’re looking forward to doing them all later this year.