Fact or fiction?
At Sold Out Events, we work with many clients who require “legacy” to be an integral part of the planning and development process for their event. Having just wrapped up the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games where legacy was a key focus of the city’s bid, it’s a timely topic to discuss.
There are many different ways an event’s legacy can support the community or region an event is held in. Learning and education, infrastructure, environment, and financial revenue are some key areas where legacy can provide an ongoing benefit.
Building legacy into a major event can assist with attracting partners and sponsors, as well as offset many costs associated with running the event. Promoting the post-event legacy benefits can often help reduce community concerns toward an event over associated disruptions such as road closures and building works.
But while many event legacies can provide long-lasting and positive effects to the community, event organisers also need to carefully consider if the legacy they are proposing has true value.
For example, building a brand-new stadium for future generations to enjoy may look good on paper, but will it be utilised once the event has concluded? Will the potential economic benefit from tourism and spectators off-set the disruption to local communities? Is an educational program going to have a long-term influence on the direction of the community?
We utilise our decades of experience to work closely with our clients to fully assess and provide recommendations on the pros and cons of running a major event. This ensures their event legacy is impactful and long-lasting, in a good way.
Thomas B. Stauton
CEO
