Epson Survey Predicts Roaring ’20s Vibe as Live Events Bounce Back

Everyone we know is itching to get back to live events so this is hardly surprising but welcome news. New Epson research predicts a strong bounce back for the events industry as restrictions are lifted in the UAE. Of those questioned, 86% plan to go to the same or a greater number of events. What’s more, punters said they’d be happy to shell out more for tickets to support the events industry.

“The overwhelming majority of people are eager to resume their pre-pandemic social lives, which includes attending live experiential events,” said Professor Steven Taylor. “Most will bounce back to their pre-pandemic levels of socializing.” Professor Taylor is a leading psychologist and expert on the impact of pandemics on social behaviour. “People will want to get out and socialise and this move will happen rapidly,” he added. “In fact, I’m expecting there will be a short-lived period of hyper sociability – a kind of mini roaring ’20s. Live events will play a large role in this.”

Jaw-Dropping

Projector manufacturing firm Epson commissioned the survey. Epson AV technology is behind many jaw-dropping events, including America’s Electric Forest Festival and the international Festival of Lights, in Europe. Epson also partners with the Theatre of Digital Art in Dubai. Professor Taylor helped compile the survey and thousands of event-loving consumers across the EMEA region took part. 

Support

The research suggests the UAE market will be more inclined to attend social events, such as concerts, visitor attractions and immersive technological experiences. A high proportion (88%) in the UAE are willing to pay more too – if the extra cash helps support people in the industry. Of those prepared to pay more, 85% would accept higher entry prices for up to 12 months.

Surge in Demand

“The events industry needs to prepare itself for an unprecedented surge in demand once lockdown ends. It is probable that the bounce back will be even stronger than people might imagine,” said Epson chief Neil Colquhoun. “The events industry suffered badly during lockdown but this research shows there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can expect a serious party mood post-pandemic.”

Main photo: Aditya Chinchure/Unsplash

Also read: Punters React to Event Restrictions Coming into Force Across the UAE