Scottish Events Festivals Association (SEFA), the county’s first trade association representing the interests of the events and festivals economy, last night (16 May) unveiled its membership roster and policy platform.
SEFA, led by Chair Angus MacKay, comprises 13 board members dedicated to providing leadership and representation for the organisers, promoters and suppliers involved in the £5.6 billion* events, festivals and tourism industry in Scotland. Acting as an advocate for its members, SEFA pledges to be the unified voice on key issues and policy impacting the industry.
The Association was welcomed by guest speaker, Brigadier David Allfrey, Chief Executive and Producer of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo who said: “The industry needs a clearer understanding of what constitutes an event or festival. With 35,000** events and festivals listed for Scotland last year, the adoption of a singular events and festivals diary – facing both the industry and our customers – would offer proper visibility of the combined and collective offer, allow more vigorous communication and collaboration and, through these, the ability to develop the sector further.”
With events and festivals employing 59,000 people across Scotland, he added: “If every person working in the industry made or saved £1000 over the next year, we would see around 4% growth across the sector. This would make a substantive contribution to growing the wider economy.”
The events sector, which includes major cultural, sporting and business events, is worth almost £1.5 billion to the Scottish economy* with conferences and business events accounting for 57% of the total. Members will be part of a powerful, unified industry voice, helping secure Scotland’s predominance as an international stage for events and conferences in the lead up to 2014 and beyond.
To join SEFA please visit www.sefa.org.uk
Category: Industry Associations News
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