Hi there!
Hope this blog finds you well and you are staying safe! Like all of you, we have been experiencing the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on our businesses, clients, and lives.
Who are we, you ask? We are Ali Phillips, Michelle Durpetti and Collin Pierson. We have had the privilege of working with many of you over the years and you have been on our minds as part of what called us to action to create what we are so excited to share with you today. Michelle and I speak every day and we began sharing thoughts and frustration about the lack of advocacy in our industry.
So, we decided that we must raise our voices, collectively and with purpose, or risk being left behind. That’s why we are inviting you to join our newly formed Illinois Events Coalition. We want to keep you informed and part of this dynamic process.
We are all Creators. Dreamers. Producers. Providers. Curators. We all work to produce and bring to life milestone moments that impact all who attend. Michelle, Collin and I felt the need to do something; to build this site, and start a call to action. One voice that gets heard in an effort to preserve our businesses that we have worked hard to build, the client relationships we have dedicated time to fostering, and the industry that we all love and are privileged to be a part of.
We were inspired by the work of the Independent Restaurant Coalition, the DC Event coalition, and the Live Events Coalition to channel our concern, our hope and the need for action towards a way we could spark change.
As a response to what is happening everywhere we have formed the Illinois Events Coalition in an effort to support one another, our clients and the industry we all love: www.ILeventscoalition.com
Here is what you can do today! TAKE ACTION!!!
Please share our message on your platforms:
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram!
TODAY
Thank You Cloud Nine Creative Agency for the graphics for social media!
We have made it easy for you to start sharing a collective voice!
These are what we would LOVE to have you post on instagram, FB, and everywhere you can and if possible with the IL Events Coalition website link as well.
These are the handles for the Reps that you can tag on Instagram
@senduckworth
@durbincampaign
@repchuygarcia
@repmikequigley
@repseancasten
You can find all the IL representatives here
This is the Governors:
@govpritzker
@jbpritzker
Sample copy:
The events industry needs urgent action. Millions will lose their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of businesses will close. And the creators of the events that celebrate our milestone moments could be gone forever. #SaveIllinoisEvents
The events industry consists of thousands of small businesses, gig economy workers and solopreneurs. We’re family. We’re livelihoods. We are 5.9 million jobs and 105 BILLION to the economy. We want nothing more than to create events again and get back to work. Until we can, we desperately need Congress’ help to do it. #SaveIllinoisEvents
Our industry is unique in needing help. Our industry is a tapestry of small and independent businesses supporting larger companies, servicing the larger interests of major corporations and our economy. That foundation is about to crumble. Our industry will likely be the last to return to normal, and those industries that benefit from live events will not return to normal until we do. #SaveIllinoisEvents
HELP AMPLIFY: Send to everyone you know!
And if you could follow us, we would be so grateful!
Please follow on:
Instagram: @ILeventscoalition
Twitter: @eventsillinois
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILeventscoalition/
Want to do more?
In addition to officially launching the site today, we have a letter that we are encouraging everyone in the industry to personalize and send TODAY to Congressional leaders. You’ll find it here, and We have listed the appropriate contact emails below.
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Senator Dick Durbin
Rep. Chuy Garcia
Rep. Mike Quigley
Also, as a separate initiative, the nationally-founded Live Events Coalition Coalition has a petition, online that takes 30 seconds to complete and can be found here
Apart from our statewide coalition, the national Live Events Coalition is doing amazing work on behalf of live events everywhere and we are so happy to be in communication with them and supporting them reciprocally.
Last, we love what our friends at DC Events Coalition and Live Events Coalition are doing today.
There are two GREAT virtual events you can sign up for!!!!
The first: "Reimagined Spaces for Social Distancing" Learn about the panelists and sign up here
Happening: TODAY APRIL 30th 12:30 p.m. EST
The Second is a Town Hall webinar hosted by the Live Events Coalition, discussing important topics such as PPP, unemployment and relief.
Learn about the panelists and sign up here
Happening: This evening, April 30th at 7:00 p.m. CST
It is more important than ever that the industry’s collective voice is heard. We hope you will join us! Thank you so much for your time!! Ali Phillips with Michelle Durpetti & Collin Pierson