Following on from his successful visit to the Showman’s Show in 2016, James Heappey, Conservative MP for Wells and chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for events, will be making a welcome return on Thursday 19th October. Organiser, Lance Show & Publications Limited is delighted to announce that he will be holding an Event Surgery from 2pm – 2.45pm, rounding off the 2017 edition of the Campfire Sessions.
Topics expected to be high on the agenda at the Event Surgery include: closer regulation and understanding around secondary ticketing; improved capital, entrepreneurial investment support and protection for new events; more consistency and standardisation with local council applications; support for general industry commercialisation; assistance for issues with taxation on green field sites; policing – resources and costs, especially with the current threat from terrorism and recognition of the role that music, sporting events and festivals have on tourism and the economy as a whole.
Visitors to the Showman’s Show are encouraged to attend the Event Surgery to ask James for support and guidance with any issues that they’re currently facing. Alistair Turner, NOEA’s special advisor will be hosting the session and fielding questions from the floor.
James Heappey, Conservative MP and chairman of the APPG for events said: “Britain’s outdoor events are amongst the best in the world. Given the contribution that music, sporting and cultural events make to both our economy and tourism, its only right that the sector has a voice in government. I’m really looking forward to returning to the Show and meeting with as many people as I can. The Campfire Sessions provide a great environment for discussion and it’s the perfect forum for me to hear about the challenges and issues that the event industry faces.”
Showman’s Show, event director, Johnny Lance adds: “We’re thrilled to welcome James back to the Showman’s Show and delighted to hold the Event Surgery. It is important that the outdoor event industry has someone championing its corner in government and the session presents an excellent opportunity for people to air their views. We’re encouraging as many people to come along as possible. Let’s hope it sparks some real debate and has a positive outcome for all involved.”