LOS ANGELES — Pollstar recently announced the results of The Pollstar and VenuesNow 2020 State of the Industry Survey.
The organization calls it the largest live industry study of its kind, with more than 1,350 live industry professionals – from venue management and, promoters/talent buyers to production and concert support services and performers, among others, polled on three primary subjects.
These areas included how the live industry is managing during the pandemic and economic crisis; what the industry’s comeback will look like; and social issues, inclusivity, and diversity within our industry.
The survey yielded data including critical insights into the current state of the industry, a road map for recovery, a mandate for greater diversity and far more.
Highlights of the survey include:
• More than half of all venue respondents, 54.8%, believe the industry will return “to full capacity” in 2021.
• 75.2% responded that they do not believe the government “has given proper consideration to the plight of the sports and live entertainment industry as compared to other impacted industries such as airlines, hotels, restaurants/retail.”
• Approximately 60% say they would personally embark on a tour or work a show now if health guidelines are followed (17.6% of those would work unconditionally).
• More than 80% expect an increase in cashless/touchless technologies.
• More than 72% of respondents expressed “concern about their company’s ability to survive COVID-19.”
Nearly half of those responding said they have received some sort of government assistance during the pandemic. Indicative of their love for this industry, more than half said they have not considered leaving the live entertainment business and less than 3% have embarked on a new career outside of live. More than half believe the industry can do better in terms of racial/cultural diversity, but less than 11% believe the industry has done a “terrible job” in this regard.
More survey information may be viewed at the Pollstar 2020 State of the Industry Survey hub at: www.pollstar.com/article/2020-state-of-the-industry-survey-results-a-transformational-moment-146514.
