Over 2,000 buildings, iconic structures, and private residences were lit in red to urge Congress to pass the RESTART Act and extend unemployment benefits as the live events industry continues to stay shuttered. An incredible show of creativity by those who design and make events. All across the United States, with a show of unity in Trinidad & Tobago, the entertainment design and technology industry put on an incredible display of lighting. I for one was extremely proud to be part of the national committee for this adventure, pulled together in just 16 days by a team of massively talented people led by Marcel Fairbairn and Brad Nelms. They pulled off a feat almost so big it can't even be explained. From fireworks and a live show in Las Vegas to the mayor of Houston giving a heartfelt endorsement, the four-hour live stream shows the power of our industry.
(Union Station Denver)
"Thank you to all #WeMakeEvents who participated in any way to tonight’s amazing success for the #RedAlertRESTART campaign. So Proud!!!," says Eric Loader of Elation Lighting. "Today just reaffirmed for me what I knew already in my heart, I am so fortunate to work in the most amazing industry with some incredibly talented, kind and generous people. Our industry will come back and tonight proves to me that in time we will be back stronger then ever! I heard so many common stories tonight from LD’s, techs, crew... all in the same boat but all committed to riding this out and we just gotta hang in there together and keep supporting each other. We can’t be ignored any longer and I’m sure the right people will take notice now. But...our work isn’t done. We need to stay on our elected officials and get the additional relief measures passed ASAP to avoid more financial and mental suffering. Together we are a winning team and together we will weather this storm. There are too many people to thank but I would be remised to not acknowledge Marcel Fairbairn who sparked this firestorm we created on his virtual happy hour giving us all a forum and purpose and a light to follow."
Michael Strickland of Bandit Lites, who has been the industry's champion on Capitol Hill, wrote last night: "From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone that participated in #RedAlertRESTART #ExtendPUA tonight. This event exceeded all expectations and we had participation in, and emotion at, a level never seen. We are the Live Event professionals. Tonight we showed the world!
Our goal was to send our legislators a clear message, and we did just that. We had cities, counties, media, venues and thousands of people engaged across our great country. Everyone pulled out all the stops and made history tonight.Thank each and every one of you for the phenomenal support and outpouring of love. Remember, tonight is just the start.
The next step is to answer all the call to actions in the next two weeks. We all must e-mail and contact our Senators and Congresspeople every time we are asked. The weight of what we do is in the sheer volume of communication. We do have complete bipartisan support for RESTART and Enhanced Unemployment Insurance. There is no pushback to providing what we need.
Here is what we must do now:
- Assure that RESTART language is inserted into the next relief bill.
- Assure that Enhanced Unemployment Insurance is included at $600 per week.
- Assure that our legislators do indeed pass another relief bill in September.
Those are our goals and they are very simple. Moving ahead, please answer every Call to Action from NAMM as well as other related organizations. A rising tide floats all boats. During the next two weeks we will be creating a package of pictures and videos. We will then broadcast this package to both the media and every Senator and Congressperson. Several of us will be in constant contact with the legislators in the next two weeks to shepherd this bill along. There is a lot of work to do in the next two weeks, and we will need the assistance of everyone one of you.
Hold you head up and be strong. You do not lose until you quit. We will never quit! We are Live Events. We love what we do. Onward and Upward!"
(Tower Od The Americas San Antonio)
Stay tuned for more photo coverage of #WeMakeEvents #RedAlert RESTART on LiveDesignOnline and check out www.WeMakeEvents.org and WeMakeEvents North America on Facebook