NOWIE launches second year of The Big Survey
The Network of Women in Events CIC (NOWIE) has announced the launch of the second edition of the NOWIE Big Survey- a major UK-wide research project examining the experiences of women working across the events, live entertainment, music and festival industries.
The initiative comes at a time when the sector represents a £60 billion UK industry, spanning weddings, conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, festivals, and large-scale mega events, underscoring the scale and economic importance of the workforce being studied.
Following stark findings from its inaugural survey, NOWIE is significantly expanding the scale of the research in 2026, with a target of more than 1,000 respondents, making it one of the largest datasets of its kind focused on women’s safety and workplace culture within the industry.
The previous survey highlighted concerning levels of harm within the sector, with approximately 1 in 4 women reporting having experienced sexual assault linked to their work in events. It also exposed widespread issues around under-reporting, with respondents describing significant barriers to speaking up, including freelance and precarious employment conditions, fears of losing future work, and concerns about professional repercussions.
Alongside this, many participants pointed to a lack of accountability mechanisms and inconsistent reporting pathways, contributing to a broader culture where incidents often go unreported or are not formally addressed.
The 2026 survey will explore:
Sexual harassment and assault
Reporting procedures and barriers
Employer accountability
Safeguarding standards
Freelance and touring vulnerabilities
Career progression and retention
Workplace culture across live events and entertainment
NOWIE says the aim is not only to document the scale of the issue, but to drive tangible reform across the sector.
“This research is about turning lived experiences into action,” said Cat Kevern, Managing Director of NOWIE.
“The events industry is an incredible space to work in, but the findings from our previous survey made it clear that too many women are still navigating unsafe environments, inconsistent reporting structures and a lack of accountability. We believe meaningful change starts with robust data, honest conversations and industry-wide responsibility.”
The organisation is also aligning the project with wider national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) recommendations and has begun engaging with politicians and policymakers, with the aim of bringing findings and recommendations into parliamentary discussions later this year.
Jo Platt MP will be supporting the NOWIE Big Survey 2026, endorsing its aim to strengthen the evidence base on workplace safety and to help drive improved protections and reporting practices across the events industry.
Speaking about the initiative, she said
“This research shines a vital light on the lived experiences of women working across the events industry, an essential but often under-recognised part of the UK economy. The findings underline the urgent need for stronger safeguarding, clearer reporting routes, and a culture where people feel safe to speak up without fear of damaging their careers.
Initiatives like the NOWIE Big Survey are crucial in driving the evidence base needed to support meaningful, lasting change across the sector.”
The survey will run from June 17th to August 2026, with full findings and recommendations published in September.
NOWIE is currently inviting industry organisations, media partners, employers, venues, agencies and stakeholders to support and amplify the initiative in order to maximise participation and help create a more representative picture of women’s experiences across the sector.
Special thanks to our partners:
Ask for Angela
Chloe Richardson
MEI
Trivandi
Tysers
ResponSec
The Purple Guide
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Uniview UR pro series LED video walls - Outperforming competitors
As UK AV companies face rising production costs, tighter client budgets and increasing pressure to deliver higher-spec visuals, a growing number of suppliers are reassessing what value really means in the LED video wall market, with products such as the Uniview UR Pro Series LED video wall increasingly entering the conversation.
Once dominated by a handful of premium-priced brands, the sector is now seeing growing interest in alternatives that deliver comparable, and in many cases superior, performance without the traditional cost barrier, with the UR Pro Series available in the UK for both purchase and trade hire through PixelLogic Solutions.
The UR Pro Series has steadily gained traction across live events, corporate environments and brand activations, offering AV companies a way to maintain visual standards while protecting margins.
“AV companies are under more pressure than ever to do more with less,” says Will Smith, Managing Director at PixelLogic Solutions.
“Buyers are far more technically informed now, and when they compare the specifications side by side, it becomes clear that the UR Pro Series offers higher refresh rates, excellent brightness and build quality at a much lower price than many of the LED systems they’ve traditionally been pushed towards.”
Shifting Priorities
Industry discussions are increasingly focused on reliability, deployment speed, and return on investment, rather than on brand name alone. According to PixelLogic Solutions, many AV buyers are questioning whether long-established premium brands still justify their pricing, given that newer LED technology delivers stronger technical performance.
High-End Performance Without the High-End Price Tag
The Uniview UR Pro Series is designed for the demands of modern event production, broadcast environments and high-traffic installations. Key features include:
- Ultra-high refresh rates up to 15,360Hz, delivering flicker-free performance on camera
- High brightness and contrast, suitable for bright indoor spaces and outdoor applications
- Lightweight, fast-locking cabinets, reducing build times and on-site labour
- Flexible configuration options, enabling flat, curved and bespoke LED designs
Will adds:
“There’s a misconception that better performance automatically means higher cost. In reality, LED technology has moved on, and when you strip away legacy pricing models, you can deliver a higher-spec product that simply makes better commercial sense for AV companies.”
Available for Sale or Trade Hire
With flexibility increasingly key, PixelLogic Solutions offers the UR Pro Series for outright purchase as well as trade-only hire, allowing suppliers to scale their LED offering without significant upfront investment.
This approach has resonated with small and mid-sized AV companies looking to compete for larger projects, while also supporting production teams that require reliable, consistent LED stock across multiple jobs.
A Wider Reassessment of LED Technology
The growing visibility of the UR Pro Series reflects a broader industry shift. one that challenges outdated assumptions around manufacturing origin and price equating to quality.
“What really matters now is performance in the field, quality control, and dependable support,” says Will. “If a panel performs better, builds faster and costs less, the industry should be asking why they’re paying more elsewhere.”
Availability
The Uniview UR Pro Series LED video wall is available now across the UK for purchase or trade hire via PixelLogic Solutions.
For specifications, pricing or demo enquiries, visit:
www.pixellogicsolutions.co.uk
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ResponSec announcement - exciting development for the security sector
ResponSec achieves Highfield Approved Training Centre Status, Strengthening its Commitment to Excellence in Security Training
ResponSec is proud to announce that it has officially become a Highfield Approved Training Centre, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to raise standards in security and spectator safety across the UK.
The new accreditation enables ResponSec to deliver Level 2 and Level 3 Spectator Safety training, empowering the company to upskill both internal staff and new recruits with industry-recognised qualifications. In the coming months, ResponSec will expand its offering further by rolling out additional Highfield-certified courses to support continuous professional development and ensure teams are equipped with the highest level of training available.
Daniel Blackwood, Managing Director of ResponSec, said: “Achieving Highfield Approved Centre status reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence across every area of our organisation. High-quality training is the foundation of effective security operations, and this accreditation allows us to invest even more in our people. By upskilling our teams and providing nationally recognised qualifications, we are not only enhancing our internal capabilities but ensuring our clients benefit from safer, more professional, and more resilient security services.”
This latest development aligns with ResponSec’s long-term strategy to lead the way in security training, operational readiness, and workforce development. As the demand for skilled security professionals continues to rise, the company is focused on establishing clear training pathways that support recruitment, retention, and operational excellence.
ResponSec invites industry partners, event organisers, and security professionals to stay tuned for further course announcements as the company continues to broaden its training capabilities.
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Level Up celebrates launch of 4th cohort of mentoring and opens doors to male ally mentors
The Network of Women in Events CIC (NOWIE) has officially opened applications for the fourth edition of its flagship mentoring program, Level Up, which will kick off in January 2026.
After three successful editions supporting women to progress in the events industry, the 2026 programme marks an exciting evolution. For the first time, Level Up will welcome male mentors to join the initiative. This move reflects NOWIE’s commitment to building a more inclusive and collaborative industry by engaging male allies in driving positive change.
Level Up is designed to empower women navigating the complex and competitive world of events. Over a six-month period, mentees are paired with experienced mentors from across the sector, including agency founders, production experts, venue leaders, and freelancers, for structured sessions that focus on goal-setting, confidence-building, financial well-being, and personal development.
Following the success of the 2025 cohort, which matched 45 mentees with senior mentors and achieved overwhelmingly positive feedback, the 2026 edition will continue to strengthen the industry’s support network for women and non-binary professionals.
NOWIE Director Cat Kevern commented: “Each year, we see how transformative the Level Up experience can be, not just for mentees, but for mentors too. By opening the door to male mentors, we’re taking another step towards genuine collaboration and achieving better equity in our industry. We can’t move the needle alone, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to get more men behind our mission, giving them an easy way to engage with our initiatives.”
Applications for Level Up 2026 are now open. Mentee places are exclusive to NOWIE members, while mentor roles are open to anyone with at least 10 years of experience in the events industry who shares NOWIE’s values of inclusion, empowerment, and progress.
For more information or to apply, visit www.nowie.org or email hello@wearenowie.org.
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Acumen Safety launches IOSH-approved training for the events industry
Acumen Safety, a health and safety consultancy dedicated to delivering simple, practical, and proportionate solutions, has announced the launch of its virtual IOSH-approved training courses, specifically tailored for the live events sector.
Developed by founder Olly Galvin, who brings over 20 years of hands-on experience building and managing festival sites, the courses are designed to bridge the gap between compliance and real-world application. The flagship programme – Managing Safely in Events (7–9 October and 19–21 November, online) – helps everyone from site crew to senior professionals build competence and confidence in keeping events safe.
“The events industry depends on people - from freelancers to suppliers and venue teams - yet health and safety training has often been overlooked or too generic to be useful,” said Olly Galvin, founder of Acumen Safety. “Our courses are built around real-world event challenges, so participants acquire skills they can put into practice straight away, wherever they work. These courses are ideal for freelancers and mid-career professionals who want to enhance their credentials, stand out in a competitive market, and bring event-specific safety expertise to their roles.”
Acumen Safety provides consultancy, training, and ongoing support to suppliers, venues, and organisers across the UK and the Middle East. Operating to ISO-accredited standards, the company is trusted by leading organisations, including AEG and is recognised for delivering tailored, proportionate safety management systems that save time and money while protecting staff, customers, and businesses.
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Arena managing director joins "Ask for Angela" initiative as an ambassador
Globally renowned infrastructure specialists Arena are proud to announce that Ross Robertson, regional managing director (UK and Europe), has been appointed as an ambassador for Ask for Angela, the nationally recognised initiative supporting safety in public spaces and event environments. This comes after a series of changes made within the company to improve workplace culture, champion inclusion and solidify Arena’s commitment to equality.
With over 15 years’ experience in the events and structures industry, Ross has led major infrastructure delivery across prestigious global events including The Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup. In his role at Arena, he oversees regional operations with a commitment to safety, inclusivity and innovation across all levels of delivery.
Ask for Angela is a discreet code word scheme designed to help individuals in vulnerable situations seek help in bars, clubs and venues. The initiative, which originated in the UK, has been widely adopted across the hospitality and live events sector, offering vulnerability training to individuals and businesses in an effort to empower bystanders to recognise these situations and take appropriate action. Ambassadors play a crucial role in raising awareness of the scheme, encouraging best practice, and supporting safer spaces for everyone working at or attending an event.
“I’m honoured to become an ambassador for Ask for Angela,” said Ross Robertson. “Leaders in the events industry have a responsibility to deliver safe environments and actively promote cultures of respect, inclusion, and protection. Events create unique safeguarding challenges, and the more education and protocol we have in place to navigate them, the better. This initiative provides simple, effective tools to help people feel safer, and it’s something we hope to see embedded across all areas and levels of our sector.”
This announcement follows a series of equity and inclusion commitments from Arena. Most recently, the company partnered with NOWIE (Network of Women in Events) to sponsor the 2024 Level Up mentoring programme. As part of the collaboration, Arena facilitated internal mentorship opportunities for team members and implemented policy improvements across key areas, including flexible working, maternity, menopause, and harassment prevention. Practical measures, such as updated uniforms, free period products on-site, and site lighting audits, have already been implemented to enhance comfort and safety for staff.
“Arena’s commitment to gender equality and welfare is fundamental and needs to be supported with action,” added Robertson. “Becoming an Ask for Angela ambassador is another step forward in our mission to build a more inclusive and responsible events industry.”
Arena Group is a global provider of temporary architecture and infrastructure solutions, delivering exceptional services across various industries, including major sporting and cultural events such as F1, PGA Golf, The Ryder Cup, and the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
For more information about Ask for Angela, visit askforangela.co.uk.
To learn more about Arena’s initiatives, visit arenagroup.com.
The Neon Lounge podcast wraps first season
The Neon Lounge has announced the end of its first season, airing its finale episode on Thursday 23rd May. The podcast, hosted and produced by Electric Cat, is tailored toward professionals working in and around the events industry. In each episode, co-hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing are joined by industry specialists sharing their expertise, advice, and wildest anecdotes. The Neon Lounge draws its inaugural season to a close after twelve episodes, boasting 5-star ratings and over 800 plays to date. An end-of-season special with Felicia Asiedu of Cvent, recorded in situ at IMEX Frankfurt, aired last week.
Since its launch in February 2024, The Neon Lounge has been home to conversations with an eclectic mix of guests. Tales of exhilarating events, inspiring accounts of relocating across the globe, and even David Beswick’s “hilarious” Christmas party story. Tom Stead discussed sensitive themes of event safeguarding and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, Lizzy Eaton shared her amazing journey of navigating motherhood while scaling a business, and James Crute opened up about struggles with loneliness and mental health. Each episode has given rise to inspiration, tips, and laugh-out-loud moments for listeners.
“As the busy summer season approaches for live event professionals, we really hope the messages from this season will find those who need them the most,” shares Cat Kevern. “Working in events is incredibly exciting, but it’s intense and that can take a toll. I hope these conversations can be a source of advice and comfort.”
Electric Cat has confirmed that The Neon Lounge will return for a second season later this year; bigger, better, and with even more guests from all areas of the industry. The team would like to extend their overwhelming thanks to all of the wonderful guests featured in this inaugural season.
Season one of The Neon Lounge is now available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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The Neon Lounge’s "ribbon-cutting" event took place this week
Electric Cat Productions host launch event for new industry podcast, 'The Neon Lounge'.
Following the announcement of its new events and marketing podcast, ‘The Neon Lounge’, Electric Cat Productions hosted an evening of celebrations in London this week. The event brought together the industry-leading guests featured in the podcast’s debut season, and events professionals from far and wide, to mark the launch of this exciting venture.
The Neon Lounge podcast officially launched at the Event Production Show in February. Now with four episodes available, hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing have already dug deep into topics of imposter syndrome, burnout, issues faced by women in the industry, life as a CEO, and much more, garnering a five-star rating and over 300 plays in the first few weeks.
Commenting on Harriet Grace’s episode, the director at Accept Management, Nikkita Palmer says, “I love the conversation about burnout and how this doesn’t always happen in the high season” adding, “It's refreshing to hear that I'm not the only one who struggles to be in an office constantly through the winter season.” Cat Kevern, director of Electric Cat Productions, shared, “It’s an absolute privilege to have such meaningful conversations with incredible guests. We’re learning so much with each episode and I hope that is reflected in terms of takeaways for our listeners”.
Episodes of The Neon Lounge are now available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new releases every Thursday. To stay up-to-date, be sure to like and subscribe. For more information about Electric Cat, or to apply to feature as a podcast guest, visit the Electric Cat website.
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Introducing The Neon Lounge: An events industry podcast by Electric Cat Productions
Specialist B2B agency, Electric Cat Productions has launched an industry podcast, gathering some of the most influential names in the game. Hosted by dynamic duo Cat Kevern, director of Electric Cat Productions, and Eloise Newing, assistant director, The Neon Lounge has been carefully crafted for you!
The podcast covers everything from co-founding a company with your old boss, to snow making and even sitting on Grace Jones’ lap backstage getting your head rubbed… in amongst the madness, you’ll also get some great take-aways, no matter where you are in your career. In each episode, Cat and Eloise investigate the nuances and niches of each guest’s expertise, uncovering their secrets to success. Amongst the impressive roster of guests are Adam Parry, co-founder at Event Industry News and AMP Events, Harriet Grace, director at Accept Management, Julia Benfield, founder and director at Sneaky Experience and many more to be announced soon.
Cat and Eloise infuse their trademark laid-back and chatty tone, injecting colour into what can sometimes be a black-and-white landscape of industry discussions.
“At Electric Cat, we stay as far as we possibly can from boring,” says Kevern. "We’re so excited to share our valuable discussions and insights about the industry we love so much, shining the spotlight on our incredible guests. We’re just doing it in a way that feels authentic to us, with a little humour and lots of personality.”
Listeners can find episodes of "The Neon Lounge" on Spotify and Apple Music. Subscribe today to stay up to date, new episodes dropping very shortly!
The team thanks everyone involved in bringing this project to life, with a special mention to the guests of honour. Learn more and apply to be a guest by visiting the Electric Cat website.
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