The start of 2025 has seen companies and individuals looking to do their part in fundraising and raising awareness for Backup Tech, the UK charity dedicated to providing support for technology professionals facing crisis situations.

The latest initiatives include those from Core Pro Audio, Hilton and the intrepid We Make Events BikeFest 2025 team. Funds will, as always, support entertainment technology workers (and their families) in crisis, whether illness, injury, or other unexpected circumstances, as well going towards bursaries and initiatives for wellbeing related education in our industry.

The Core Pro Show 2025, which took place on January 14th, was a resounding success with over 200 attendees from the Pro Audio scene. The event featured networking opportunities, educational product presentations, and hands-on demos, concluding with a charity raffle that raised an impressive £4,500 for Backup.

“The team at Core Pro Audio are proud to support Backup and its cause,” says Core Director, Joe Jackson. “We had an amazing show this year and the raffle was a great way to end the day. None of us are immune to the challenges that life can throw at us, and particularly within our industry post pandemic. Business often takes priority, but to recognise and help those who are in need is very important to us all here and we will continue this support moving forwards. The donation was a collective effort and was only made possible by the attendees and exhibitors at the Core Pro Show 2025. All of which we thank for their contribution.”

Hilton also stepped up with a dedicated networking event for its top entertainment accounts, which included educational sessions on industry needs, including a presentation on mental health while touring delivered by Music Industry Therapists Collective’s (MITC) Dr Simon Rowbottom. Hilton also raised £1,100 in support of Backup Tech as part of a raffle with a variety of hotel prizes. 

“Technology professionals are an essential part of the entertainment industry, and I am so pleased that were able to raise awareness of the important work Backup Tech does and support with fundraising efforts,” says Grant MacGadie, director of sales, Hilton Worldwide Sales. 

Finally, the ever popular BikeFest, timed to arrive at the Fira in Barcelona for the start of ISE 2025, saw industry professionals pedal 390km across Spain, from Valencia to Barcelona, to raise around £50K, with donations still coming in, which will be divided between Backup Tech and, for this year, local Spanish charity Casa Caridad Valencia, which supports those affected by the recent devastating floods in Valencia.

Alex Penn, Commercial Director at 22Live and BikeFest participant, shares: “At 22Live we understand the importance of supporting Backup so it can carry on supporting the industry’s freelance community. I’ve taken part in BikeFest, both the UK and Spanish events, for the past few years. Riding across Spain ahead of ISE with a great bunch of industry colleagues is a highlight of the year for me. It’s a challenge, but I love cycling. Keeping fit, having a bit of head space and being able to raise funds for the charity while we’re at it makes it all the more worthwhile.”

“We are so grateful for the amazing fundraising efforts of Core Pro Audio, Hilton and all involved in BikeFest Spain 2025,” comments Backup Chair Piers Shepperd. “Through fundraisers like these, Backup can both continue to support to colleagues in crisis and support education around wellbeing.’ Piers continues ‘These fundraising events also play an important part in raising awareness and removing stigma in our industry, making it easier to reach out for those who may need Backup’s help.”

For more information about Backup Tech or to contribute to its ongoing efforts with your own fundraiser, click here