“There will be so many parallel events going on at the time of the Olympics that we need to make sure we plan for these both from the transport and security services side of things,” explained Vince Fihosy, who heads up the Olympics planning at the Greater London Authority (GLA).
“That’s why we launched the Culture Diary, and we’d encourage you to enter all your events right now so we can ensure the appropriate level of resources are available,” he told hospitality operators at the M&C Report and BigHospitality Getting in Shape for 2012 conference earlier this week.
Event promotion
Events entered into the diary will be shared with VisitLondon and the London Media Centre, and will be communicated to both tourists and locals.
Information will be shared with LOCOG (The London Organising Committee) and projects may be identified for Festival 2012 as well as the London wide festivities. The GLA said it will also look to identify gaps in the programme and work across sectors to ensure that all industries have a platform where desired.
Deadline looming
The deadline for entering an event into the 2012 Culture Diary is 31 March 2011. Submitting an event to the diary does not mean it will be approved, but it will enter into the GLA’s planning processes.
“We’re collecting all of that information, we’ll go through an analysis phase and then we will be ensuring we’ve got the right approach to cater for the activity that’s ongoing in the period,” said Fihosy.
The 2012 Culture Diary will be an online resource that aims to be a one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to find out what activities are going on in London throughout the entire year, and not just during the Olympics.
“Although it may feel too soon to enter activity for 2012, it is important that you put in a marker for events that you are planning, even if they are not confirmed, and provide as much information as soon as you can. This is essential for planning and in order for us to recognise your activity and give your event the best chance of being included in any promotional activity,” says the GLA.
To enter your event into the 2012 Culture Diary, go to www.theculturediary.com