President of Live Entertainment, Danny Wimmer Presents
In terms of scale and impact, how would you describe 2020 and the
current crisis, its impact on your business and the biggest challenge
(or challenges) our industry faces?
2020 has been devastating for all
of the obvious reasons. No business owner or executive ever wants to be in a position of drastically diminished revenue and company layoffs,
not to mention the health and safety implications and tremendous
loss-of-life brought on by a pandemic. But like every other business in this industry, DWP has had to face it head on. Given that we were
completely vested in the festival business prior to the COVID outbreak,
President, Live Nation Women
In terms of its scale and impact, how would you describe 2020 and the
current crisis, its impact on your business and the biggest challenge
(or challenges) our industry faces?
2020 has been a year of extreme challenges and inspiring opportunities. COVID-19 shut our business down and the effect on our industry and its workforce, financially, psychologically and emotionally, can’t be overstated. On top of that, the US, indeed the world, is grappling with long overdue adjustments to gross racial and gender inequalities and injustices. That said, we’ve also had valuable time to reflect and explore new ideas amidst the chaos.
Executive Director, IEBA
In terms of scale and impact, how would you describe 2020 and the current crisis’ challenges and impact on your business?
Money lost in 2020 is gone forever. This may be true of our peers and colleagues who have been furloughed or laid off. Many will NOT return to the industry when the industry returns. Some businesses will fail. Artist development will suffer.
What strategies have you and your businesses implemented and/or are you considering implementing to address these challenges?
The financial impact of shutting down concert touring & live performance is so pervasive that only government assistance can sustain some businesses. But, with many state and city small business relief programs capping grants at $10,000 or $30,000, it is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. Many businesses were forced to dip into their reserves when government assistance failed to cover even one month’s expenses.
Founder and CEO, CTS EVENTIM
In terms of scale and impact, how would you describe 2020 and the current crisis’ impact on your business and the biggest challenges?
Even though we are currently experiencing the most difficult phase ever in our corporate history as a result of the corona pandemic, we are looking confidently to the future. Crises are above all an opportunity for a company to show its strengths. The biggest challenge for the entire industry, however, is that nobody can predict with certainty when live entertainment will return to its familiar extent.
What strategies have you and your businesses implemented and/or are you considering implementing to address these challenges?