BikeFest returned to Spain last week, with the 18-strong team cycling over 360km towards ISE in Barcelona. Together, they have so far raised £16,000 for industry charity Backup Tech but are hoping to reach £20,000 with your donations.
This year, the BikeFest team included representatives from AELTC, Autograph Sound, AVIXA, Clair Global, Equipson, FLUX Creative Consultancy, PLASA, Reclaim Audio, Sharp, Stage One Creative Services, and Wonder Works. Furthermore, due to the strong community element of the event, BikeFest is now seeing familiar faces returning each year, including Backup Tech Chair Piers Shepperd who was cycling for the second year running.
Starting in Valencia, the team cycled along the Mediterranean coast, stopping off in Valencia, Peñíscola and Tarragona. On day three, the exhausted riders finally arrived at Fira de Barcelona ready for the ISE trade show where they were presented with medals and certificates.
The buzzing ISE trade show reminded the team of how resilient the live events industry is, especially when compared to the empty venue at the end of the 2022 BikeFest ride. However, the pandemic has left a legacy of challenges, including mental health and wellbeing, which are being addressed by industry organisations such as Backup Tech.
Backup offers grants during times of ill health to cover essential living costs and medical bills; wellbeing support including Mental Health First Aider training and a free 24/7 helpline; and a hardship fund for those most in need. With the funds raised from BikeFest, Backup continues their vital work in supporting individuals across the entertainment technology industry.
Now in its third year, BikeFest Spain has garnered huge support from across the live AV and events industry. Organised by #WeMakeEvents, PLASA and AFIAL, the 2024 edition of BikeFest Spain was proudly sponsored and supported by Ayrton, AVIXA, Equipson Group, ISE, LSi magazine and SeeSound.
Nicky Greet, PLASA Director of Membership, Skills and Technical, said: “It was an honour to support the BikeFest team on the road once again. BikeFest Spain has been a challenging and fulfilling event for three years now, and it’s great to see how much we have raised for Backup Tech. Not to mention, all the meaningful friendships that have developed in the team. We couldn’t do it without your donations, so please give what you can to help our industry colleagues in times of need.”
Juan Jose Vila, Equipson COO, AFIAL President, and BikeFest member, added: “This is the third year we have delivered BikeFest Spain and it’s strange to think that only two years ago, ISE had to postpone, and we arrived at an empty venue. However, because of how quickly we have bounced back, our industry is under huge pressure, and we still need to raise money to help those in need. Every year we have riders returning to be a part of this great cause, so I hope you can donate for all their efforts!”
Donate to BikeFest: we-make-events.raisely.com/o/bikefestspain2024
