The Backup Tech team was thrilled to once again be part of the #WeMakeEvents hub at the PLASA Show 2024. From this base, the Backup team and its Ambassadors were able to connect with industry professionals and raise awareness of the important work Backup is doing in the industry. 

Every year, the show represents an opportunity to meet up with old friends, enjoy great conversations and make new connections. This year, the larger footprint meant that the hall was a buzz with even more new technology and creativity. Spaces where attendees could relax and regroup were an important part of the wellbeing strategy, and the wellbeing hub, crewed by the EventWell team, provided an additional quiet space for anyone who wanted it. 

“Backup received multiple donations during the show, thanks to a lot of hard work from our fundraisers and the generosity of PLASA attendees,” says Backup Chair, Piers Shepperd. “These funds are vital, enabling Backup to continue its work in supporting members of our industry when they need it most. This year the fundraising strategies were even more inventive.” 

Sherry Coenen ran a successful social media campaign to decide whether to ‘Shave or Save’ her hair. At the #WeMakeEvents after-party the result was revealed and at time of writing, Sherry had raised over £5,600 for Backup and had sent 28 inches of hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provide bespoke, hand-made wigs to children undergoing cancer treatments or suffering hair loss. It was a fantastic way to end the second day of the show and Sherry’s efforts are truly appreciated.

Backup Partner, Ambersphere, showed its support at the show by dedicating one side of its stand to promoting the charity, and donating funds raised from its alcohol-free beer bar.

The #WeMakeEvents BikeFest UK sponsored bike ride saw keen cyclists complete three courses for Backup. They varied in length from 100 miles to 20 and all riders joined forces to complete the final leg together. The ride raised almost £1,000 and enjoyed a beautiful journey through the English countryside. 

PLASA’s Annual Awards for Innovation are presented at a special ceremony during the show.  In addition to celebrating innovative products, the entry fee from companies entering their products for the Awards is donated by PLASA to Backup raising a fantastic £3,000.

Another success for the Backup team during the show was their first ever interactive wellbeing session. The session was a new way to experience an industry panel discussion with the aim of making information more accessible and empowering greater audience participation. The session was hosted by PLASA MD, Peter Heath, and included industry charity Music Support and support groups Roadies In Recovery and The Back Lounge. The panel led the personalised interaction, allowing audience members the opportunity to share experiences and ask questions about what support and information is available to people working in and learning about the industry. 

Piers was delighted to be part of the session and enjoyed spending time at the show, as he concludes.

“The PLASA Show has always been an opportunity to find out something new, whether that’s a new connection, or innovative equipment and ideas,” he says. “Backup is grateful to PLASA for the opportunity to meet so many of our industry peers and to share information about how to access industry support. Raising awareness of the work we do means a great deal. It’s fantastic that so much money has been raised during the show and we are simply amazed by the commitment that all our fundraisers show.”

L-R: Jess Allan, Backup / Suzie Green, The Back Lounge / Joanna Croxford, Roadies In Recovery / Peter Heath, PLASA & Backup Trustee / Lynne Maltman, Music Support / Piers Shepperd, Backup Chair