NASHVILLE — The Live Events Coalition in conjunction with the Tennessee Events Coalition hosted an impactful action day and video-documented activation titled ‘Nashville’s Empty Event’ on Wednesday at Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The day of action was meant to showcase the breadth and impact of COVID-19 on the live events industry as well as advocate for federal support and aid for the millions of Americans within the industry that are now out of work.
As one of the first industries to be shut down due to the pandemic and likely one of the last to return, the live events industry, which employs approximately 12 million Americans and contributes nearly $1 Trillion to the U.S. economy is in dire need of support. The Live Events Coalition is bringing awareness to this need through set action days and by calling upon the government to extend Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to help stabilize the industry and assist live event workers who are fighting for their livelihood.
Nashville’s Empty Event is one of many action days held by local sectors of the Live Events Coalition that have taken place over the past several weeks in states including Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Kentucky, New York and Washington D.C.
The Nashville activation greatly resembled an orchestrated event with one major component missing, it was empty. Devoid of the many often behind the scenes voices that breathe life into events, the ‘empty event’ displayed a grand entrance that led into an event for hundreds that was completely empty. The event was complete with tables, chairs, centerpieces, stage décor, food and beverage displays, and more.
This event would not have been possible without the support of the following partners; Bass Photography, Chef’s Market, The City of Nashville, Cool Springs Wines and Spirits, Evolution Event Solutions, FADDS Events, Gomez Photography, Music City Tents & Events, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Associated Protective Services, Signs First, Southern Events, T Villager Designs, White Door Events, and countless industry volunteers who banded together and supported the event through donations of products, time, and talent.
“Our goal with this activation is to give a voice to the many lives that have been affected due to the shutdown of the live events industry and showcase the urgency in providing relief for these individuals and their businesses,” says Gabriel Saavedra, Live Events Coalition PR & Marketing Director.
The Live Events Coalition is a volunteer-run 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on the live events industry. The coalition exists to provide advocacy, resources, and a network that connects and supports all the businesses, contractors, and individual members that make up the live events industry.
To learn more about the Live Events Coalition, please visit LiveEventsCoalition.org or follow on Instagram @LiveEventsCo.
