Pollstar & VenuesNow 2024 Impact International: UK/Euro Hub

Welcome to Pollstar’s and VenuesNow’s annual Impact International: UK/Euro edition, which once again celebrates our colleagues across the Atlantic who are making great strides, championing worthy causes, and excelling in their respective line of work.

It’s not been an easy year in Europe, given the increased costs on all fronts, which made life hard for both the fans and the makers of entertainment. So far, evidence of a reluctance to buy tickets is anecdotal. If music fans are saving money, it’s not on live shows. Exceptions confirm the rule.

The real issue is the general cost of touring, which can be felt by the grassroots sector above all else. Up-and-coming acts touring the grassroots circuit are on the road for short periods only, and the venues able to host them are under threat. One needs scale to make it worthwhile in the current economy.

Sustainability, and diversity are other common themes that are currently high on the agenda of this year’s Impact International honorees. And let’s not forget that there’s still a war waging in Eastern Europe, where live events have to be held in close proximity of air raid shelters, in case of an attack.

It’s clear that navigating this business, overcoming its challenges, and reaping its rewards, requires people to operate at the top of their game, whichever role they play in this ecosystem. And that is the thing all of this year’s nominees have in common.

Enjoy the read, be inspired, and join us in congratulating our 2024 Impact International: UK/Euro Honorees!