This September marks seven months since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastation to communities around the globe. On September 1, 2020 #WeMakeEvents, a coalition of trade bodies, businesses, unions, and live events workers, will light up their venues, homes and cities red in over 1500 locations across North America to raise public and media awareness in support of the live events sector.
Visit Ogden, the Ogden Downtown Alliance, Weber State University, Weber County and Ogden City will participate in #WeMakeEvents Red Light Alert Restart national event by lighting up the Ogden Eccles Conference Center, Peery’s Egyptian Theater, The Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts, and the Ogden Amphitheater in red from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. on September 1, 2020 in support of the live event industry.
Kim Bowsher, executive director of the Ogden Downtown Alliance states, “The Ogden Downtown Alliance recognizes the measured and immeasurable importance of live events in our local community. Events provide an opportunity for people to see themselves in a community, and the varied ways we can learn and inspire when gathered together. We recognize an immediate economic loss to our local brick and mortar businesses so often held together by the foot traffic events can provide and we recognize an even larger, unaccounted loss in the sense of connection and community engagement and care. While we understand the health concerns and are being as responsible as possible in this time, we have deep concerns over the artistry and the magic we are losing as people turn away from these endeavours. Events and the talent, producers, entertainers and staff at large that make them happen need support. They need real pathways to succeed and to stay in this industry now, and into the future, as live events slowly regain traction in what we are still working towards as a new normal.”
The Live Events industry employs more than 12 million people and contributes more than $1 trillion annually to the US economy. 95% of live events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, 96% of companies have cut staff and/or wages and 77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income.
“Live events are vital. They bring our community together to share common ideas and to help us celebrate our proudest moments. The pandemic has brought our industry to a standstill.” Said Jim Craig, director of the Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts. He went on to say, “We were the first to shut down and will be the last to start up. Unable to practice their craft, the artists, designers, technicians, and support personnel that work on these live events are out of work. We don’t know when this will change and they will again be able to support their families. Please urge Congress to support eh RESTART Act.”
Red Light Alert RESTART
September 1st, 2020
9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
#RedAlertRestart
For more information on #WeMakeEvents and #RedAlertRESTART visit the We Make Events Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/WeMakeEventsNorthAmerica
For venue contacts:
Ogden Eccles Conference Center/Peery’s Egyptian Theater
Kassie Bybee
kbybee@oeccutah.com or 801-540-8436
Ogden City Arts, Culture and Events
Christy McBride
christymcbride@ogdencity.com or 801-940-7789
Val A Browning Center for the Performing Arts, Weber State University
Jim Craig
jamescraig@weber.edu or 801-626-6961
About Visit Ogden
The greater Ogden area is one of the country’s leading destinations for travel and recreation.
Ogden, the crossroads of the West, is located in Weber County just 35 minutes north of the Salt Lake International Airport. The area inspires visitors with more than 170,000 acres of National Forest, three ski resorts, more than 210 miles of single-track trail for hiking and mountain biking, and 13,000 acres of lakes connected by pristine rivers for paddle sports and fishing.
For additional information visit www.visitogden.com
About Ogden City
Ogden’s history has run the full gamut from trading fort to bustling metropolitan railway hub, transforming into a modern high adventure attraction. Its rich mountain to metro personality derives from a unique balance of vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife with backyard access to year-round, heart-pounding outdoor recreation and the majestic beauty of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Ogden, Utah offers one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation and metropolitan delights throughout the year, and its growing population of 84,316 has evolved into a community of makers from every walk of art and industry.
About Val A. Browning Center
The Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Weber State University Department of Performing Arts and serves as a cultural hub for northern Utah. Before COVID, the facility hosted 300 events and welcomes nearly 82,000 patrons annually.
