In an exciting development for the UK events industry, The Power of Events has announced key updates to its expanding Schools Engagement Programme. The initiative, which bridges the gap between schools and the booming £70 billion UK events sector, has garnered attention for its goal of fostering early awareness, education, and potential career pathways among students. With the announcement of new sponsors from the Bath and Bristol regions and the launch of a London-based engagement event.
Building New Regional Support in Bath & Bristol
The Power of Events has welcomed new regional partners in the Bath and Bristol area, further cementing its mission to deliver regionally relevant, community-driven support for young people exploring the events sector. These sponsors will play a crucial role in enabling outreach in a historically underserved region when it comes to career guidance in creative industries.
New partners include:
- Event Exeter – specialists in academic and business-related events with a strong regional influence.
- Focal Point Event Management – renowned for managing diverse, live and virtual events across the South West.
- Visit West – the official destination management organisation for Bath, Bristol, and surrounding areas, promoting business travel and event opportunities.
These partnerships will allow schools in Bath, Bristol, and nearby regions to benefit from local industry insights, hands-on learning, and a clearer understanding of the career possibilities within the events ecosystem.
Why Regional Sponsorship Matters
The UK’s events industry sustains over 700,000 jobs and indirectly supports thousands more. Yet, many young people—especially outside metropolitan areas—remain unaware of the roles available, from logistics and production to marketing and sustainability. The new sponsors aim to tackle this by providing region-specific awareness and guiding pupils towards real opportunities.
Research by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre found that 75% of creative careers go unexplored in traditional career advice programmes. By embedding event industry education closer to home, The Power of Events is challenging that trend head-on.
London Region Launch Event: Elevating the Programme’s Visibility
To further amplify its vision, The Power of Events has confirmed a London Region launch event for its Schools Engagement Programme. Taking place on June 18, 2024, the event will bring together industry leaders, educators, and students, providing a live demonstration of the sector’s potential impact on UK education and career development.
Hosted in partnership with prestigious venues and London-based operators, the event will feature:
- Interactive exhibits from event tech firms and creative agencies
- Panel discussions featuring professionals across production, logistics, catering, and entertainment
- Opportunities for students to engage directly with future employers and mentors
Backed by commercial sponsors and supported by London’s diverse event talent pool, this launch seeks to inspire and inform not only students but also educators and policymakers who shape future curricula.
Teaching Students About the Power of Events
The London engagement day is expected to reach over 300 students from local secondary schools, many of whom will be encountering the events industry for the first time. The immersive format allows them to explore everything from event planning software to stage design and hospitality services.
These experiences are designed not just to inform but to ignite passion and encourage students to explore vocational routes, apprenticeships, and further studies in related disciplines. This aligns with current UK government initiatives like the T Level programmes and Event Assistant Apprenticeships, both of which emphasize practical skill-building and industry engagement.
Long-Term Goals of the Schools Engagement Programme
Launched in 2023, The Power of Events’ Schools Engagement Programme aims to establish a framework for rolling industry exposure and career development in events across every UK region.
Key initiatives include:
- Developing curriculum support materials tailored for schools and sixth-form colleges
- Facilitating site visits, internships, and guest lectures hosted by event professionals
- Creating a digital events industry education hub accessible to students and teachers nationwide
According to UK Music’s “Music by Numbers 2023”, the UK’s live events industry represents £5.8 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) alone—a statistic that highlights both the economic significance and career potential within the sector.
By continuing to expand regionally while also staging major metropolitan engagement events, the programme ensures that a wide range of student demographics are reached—urban and rural alike.
The Role of Industry Partners
This initiative would not be possible without the continued support of dedicated sponsors and partners across sectors. In addition to the new Bath and Bristol sponsors, The Power of Events has seen national support from:
- Unique Venues of London
- ICE Hub – supporting customer experience insights within B2B events
- Big Green Coach – promoting sustainable transport options for student event days
Each partner brings with them not only funding but experience, case studies, and networks that immensely benefit programme participants.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Events Education
With the expansion into Bath & Bristol and momentum growing in London, the Schools Engagement Programme is on track to be a national model for integrating industry learning into early education. As the events landscape continues to evolve—particularly with the rise of digital, hybrid, and sustainable formats—it’s clearer than ever that students need a head start in understanding this multifaceted industry.
The Power of Events remains committed to ensuring that young people across the UK are equipped not only with the knowledge but also the opportunity to pursue careers in events.
Get Involved
Whether you’re an event professional, business owner, educator, or student, there are countless ways to get involved in the initiative:
- Register as a partner and help facilitate future events and mentorships
- Offer school talks or venue visits to give students real-world insight
- Spread awareness through your networks to help expand the programme nationally
With collaboration and support, The Power of Events and its Schools Engagement Programme is poised to shape the future of the UK events industry—one student at a time.
Follow the Journey
To stay updated on upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, and success stories from across the UK, follow The Power of Events on LinkedIn and visit thepowerofevents.org.
Together, we can power up the next generation of event professionals.
