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The future of nightlife: The industry and COVID can coexist
The future of nightlife: The Industry and COVID can coexist
Governments taking interest in reopening nightlife on the riseExactly one year ago, nightlife venues worldwide were forced to close their doors in the wake of the rapid spread of coronavirus. Not only were venues affected but some of the most important music festivals such as Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland Winter and Snowbombing had also announced its postponement in order to curb the outbreak.
The economic loss that the industry is facing and its consequences directly related to other industries such a tourism have caused great harm and the proper aid that has been solicited to every government has not been fulfilled, leaving many businesses in bankruptcy and with serious economic repercussions, as well as the workers of the industry that for the most part have been left abandoned. The effects of these shutdowns are starting to get the attention of governments since many are suffering one of the biggest crises in the past century, making them more open to start reactivating the economy. It’s safe to say that the nighttime economy generates great economic impact for cities and countries worldwide.
What 2020 has brought us was a perfect lack of knowledge and vulnerability about a virus that has become a pandemic, in the middle of the 21st century. However, these trying times have called for more union than ever and has opened the doors to institutions, organizations, and companies, both private and public to join forces and “seek common ground”.
What’s safe to say is that clubbers have not been able to go out in over a year, making them “socially starved” specially after having to endure the consequences of being in quarantine and having to comply with strict curfews.
SieXsein Technology and the International Nightlife Association
SieXsein Global was born from the international union of a team of experts with a long history in fields such as health, environment, technology and industrial. The main goal and expertise is to generate protected spaces, with an application that yields effectiveness rates up to 99,99% in the control of encapsulated viruses (such as COVID-19). The combination of 4 basic principles in the development team; virus prevention, containment, mitigation, and monitoring, offers a 99,9% success rate to any organization or community that wants to implement the technology.
As the International Nightlife Association we are currently negotiating together with SieXsein Global and governments worldwide for the advancement and reopening of nightlife venues worldwide which is receiving great feedback due to the uniqueness of the system being proposed.
Carmen Alvarez, CEO of SieXsein Global had stated, “We are the only company that has succeeded in combining and offering the latest and most ground-breaking technologies against COVID-19 in a single solution, both in Spain and internationally”.
On the other hand, Joaquim Boadas, Secretary General of the International Nightlife Association has mentioned,”Waiting for the herd immunity is not an option, since most nightlife businesses will be inexsistent by then. That’s why we insist on government collaboration in order to prove that with the proper measures, venues can open in a safe manner”.
Pilot testing, a necessary tool for the future of the industry
The nightlife industry can be a solution to the current pandemic since it could be a primary detection source together with the governing authorities and act as a firewall to contain the spread of the virus. Having COVID testing to access nightlife venues can also get a big portion of the population to get tested when they wouldn’t otherwise. We support any tests being conducted in venues and to find the best solutions to reactivate and industry that has been completely shut for the past year.
The media has been echoing numerous tests that have been conducted already in places such as Amsterdam, where 1,300 people attended a music event at the Ziggo Dome designed to examine the risks of reopening venues and plan for the easing of lockdown restrictions.Also our Gold Member Venue Sala Apolo, in Barcelona and its non-infection of participants in the pilot test conducted this past December.
Furthermore, this week the Catalan government and festival organizers have announced a pilot concert in Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi for March 27. The attendees will have to take a rapid test and a screening in one of three spaces, either the Sala Apolo, Luz de Gas or Razzmatazz concert halls. Those testing negative will be able to take part in the event with a FFP2 face mask, but no social distancing will be required.
The area will, however, be divided into four spaces each hosting 1,800 people and there will be efforts made to avoid crowding at the entrance and exits. It will host an audience of 5,000 people (standing), with antigen tests for all attendees but no social distancing.
The nightlife industry launches an app to access venues safely
The nightlife industry launches an app to access venues safely
The announcement was made within the framework of the 7th International Nightlife Congress held last Monday at Marina Beach Club in Valencia (Spain), where other topics such as virtual reality and the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP) were discussed.
The event concluded with the Golden Moon Awards Gala in which a special award was granted to all medical personnel and law enforcement officials worldwideRepresentatives of the nightlife sector from all around the world met virtually this past Monday in Valencia (Spain) in the framework of the 7th International Nightlife Congress which was broadcasted from the well-known Marina Beach Club Valencia. This event, which in its seventh edition was held for the first time in a virtual format due to the exceptional circumstances arising from the pandemic, dealt with matters of the utmost interest to the nightlife industry worldwide, and the newest breakthrough developments for the industry were made public. The event had the support of the Spanish nightlife association Spain Nightlife, the Valencian Community Tourism Board, Visit Valencia, the Valencian Hospitality Federation (FEHV), the Hospitality and Tourism Business Confederation of the Valencian Region (CONHOSTUR), among other entities and sponsors such as Pepsi Max Zero, Schweppes and Roku Gin.
The sector announces the launch of an app that will allow for safe access to its venues
One of the most important announcements that took place on Monday in the framework of the congress took place during the panel about pilot testing to achieve a safe reopening of venues. Within the framework of said panel, Joaquim Boadas, General Secretary of the International Nightlife Association announced the reach of an agreement with the company that has developed the app called "LibertyPass", which allows to carry out a rapid antigen test and therefore allowing access to an event or venue safely within the next 72 hours after the test is conducted. As Joaquim Boadas explained, "The launching of this app may be the definitive solution for nightlife venues to reopen safely as it guarantees the creation of a safe environment for those attending it. All of this thanks to a quick test and a QR code that enables a person to attend all the events they want to during the 72 hours following the test "
A formula similar to the one presented by the INA was proposed by Lutz Leichsenring, Creative Strategist of the Berlin Club Commission and Vibe Lab, also through rapid antigen tests that generates a QR code. On his behalf, Marc Galdon, Founder of the Chinese tourism school (Escuela Turismo Chino) and Brand Manager in Bar Rouge - with locations in Shanghai and Singapore, described how the industry had been reactivated in mainland China through a QR code system that also includes GPS tracking, mentioning that "Now in mainland China the industry is now open, and we have the opportunity of using bars and restaurants as the first line of detection of possible COVID cases in a coordinated effort with the authorities." Lastly, Camilo Ospina, President of the Colombian Bar Association (Asobares Colombia), explained pilot testing carried out in the aforementioned country between the Government and the industry in order to achieve a safe reopening, which is having a very good result.
In the United States, 90% of independent venues at risk of closure, and in Europe urgent aid will be requested from Brussels
Riccardo Tarantoli participated in the panel on legal, commercial, and economic solutions to counteract the restrictions imposed on the industry as a result of the pandemic, representing Maurizio Pasca, President of the European Nightlife Association (ENA) and the Italian Nightlife Association (SILB-FIPE), and Nicos Vassiliou, President of the Cyprus Nightlife Association, who called for unity in the industry and announced that aid will be claimed directly from Brussels through the European Nightlife Association. For his part, Juan Carlos Diaz, President of the American Nightlife Association, called for a rescue plan for the industry in the United States, since according to his forecasts "90% of independent venues will be forced to shut down if aid does not arrive urgently ".
Rick Alfaro, CEO of the company Earthnauts, participated in the panel on virtual reality and new technologies, who highlighted the need to create sensory experiences to bring new sensations to the nightlife public. David Franzén, CEO of Nocto International, explained what the newest nightlife tool Nocto consists of, an app that creates a network between users and venues in a city to promote their activity and provide safe data to its users such as the possibility of knowing if a venue is at full capacity or not before attending.
The nightlife sector sends and SOS but governments are not responding to its needs
The last panel of Congress dealt with how to reactivate the nightlife industry, one of the hardest-hit economic sectors by this health crisis. In the same, under the title "Strategies to Reactivate the Nightlife Industry". Chapter Leads form the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP), such as Lutz Leichsenring, Creative Strategist of the Berlin Club Commission and Vibe Lab, Alistair Turnham, Founder of MAKE Associates, Leni Schwendinger, Founder and Creative Director of the International Nighttime Design Initiative, Michael Fichman, an expert in urban planning from the University of Pennsylvania, Nandor Petrovics, Ph.D. Candidate of Corvinus University and, lastly, Diana Raiselis, researcher of cultural and nightlife policy at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This panel highlighted the lack of involvement of governments and local administrations at a global level to save the culture and nightlife of many cities around the world, and it was warned that these will lose attractiveness and economic potential if the entertainment venues disappear.
The event concluded with the 6th edition of the Golden Moon Awards, which, among different categories, include the Golden Moon Award granted to all health personnel in the world and law enforcement officials from around the world for their involvement in the fight against the pandemic.
The winners in the different categories were:
1. Most supportive government during the pandemic: MINISTERIO DE COMERCIO, INDUSTRIA Y TURISMO (GOVERNMENT OF COLOMBIA)2. Most innovative tool for nightlife during the pandemic: NOCTO APP
3. Best collaborative project in defense of nightlife in times of pandemic: GLOBAL NIGHTTIME RECOVERY PLAN (GNRP)
4. Best act of excellence and protection of client's and worker's health: MARINA BEACH CLUB VALENCIA
5. Best solidary act in defense of nightlife during the pandemic: NYC NIGHTLIFE UNITED
6. Best movement in defense of nightlife during the pandemic: SAVE NIGHTLIFE CAMPAIGN by NTIA
7. Special award for merit and the fight against the pandemic: ALL HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS WORLDWIDE
Who will make it on "The World's 100 Best Clubs" 2019 list?
Previous to the Golden Moon Awards, for sixth consecutive edition, the International Nightlife Congress will take place. Both events will be held together with the ExpoBar Fair, Colombia’s most important nightlife event. The Congress will start off by discussing the "Nightclub of the Future" followed by the panel "Gastronomy and Nightlife". The Nightclub of the Future The first conference under the heading, "The Nightclub of the Future” will discuss the future of nightclubs and nightlife venues when it comes to implementing new technologies such as holograms, live streaming and DJ bookings. For his part, Mr. Rick Alfaro, Director of Earthnauts, will speak about the all the new technology apicable to nightlife venues such as holograms and 3-D technology. Additionally, Mr. David López, Assistant Director of the Costa Este Nightlife Group, will discuss the importance on online DJ live streaming. Gastronomy and Nightlife In the second block of conferences, which will be presented under the title of "Gastronomy and Nightlife", will include the participation of Mr. Joaquim Boadas, Secretary General of the International Nightlife Association, which will present the international excellence distinction called "GASTROMOON" that fuses haute gastronomy and nightlife.
In the same conference will participate Mr. Ragnar Fridriksson, General Manager of the World Association of Chefs Societies. The conference will also have Mr. Hayan Abou Assali, General Manager of Cavalli Club Dubai, first club in the World to be distinguished with a "GASTROMOON". Expobar 2019 Expobar 2019 will gather the main entrepreneurs of the nightlife sector of Colombia and the world accompanied by different public entities and private companies with the goal of sharing experiences, challenges and solutions that lead to the creation of a consolidated and articulated music tourism product with the different protagonists of the nocturnal, music and tourist industries of Colombia and their positioning. Expobar will host numerous conferences including topics such as LGTBI+, women in the nightlife industry, the importance of cocktail diversity, to name a few. For all those who are interested in attending the 6th International Congress of Nightlife and the 5th Expobar Fair, you can visit our website www.international-nightlife.com or click on the button below. We are pleased to attach an image of the event. For more information you can call (+34) 902.099.500 or (+34) 670.703.370 visit www.feriaexpobar.com or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The digital transformation makes its way into the nightlife sector
The International Nightlife Association and Discocil sign an agreement that will innovate the way of working in the sector
The new tool optimizes management, centralizes sales and provides a better understanding of customer preferences
The International Nightlife Association believes that it is crucial to update the management of nightlife venues since, in many cases, valuable data that is gathered manually every night is lost as well as the feedback and preferences of clients. This information currently makes up a beneficial commercial tool for all businesses that want to maintain a high competitive level. With this new tool that is being made available to nightlife entrepreneurs, nightlife management becomes completely computerized. Its main benefits include the creation of events and the management of day to day work which allows the quality of service to increase exponentially not only towards the costumer but also their staff. What’s more, this tool not only eases the work load but makes nightclub management more efficient since everything is automatically registered, allowing the entrepreneur to take great advantage of digitized data collected since it is only in their possession and not in the hands of a third-party intermediary.
In addition, this new way of working will allow the venues to have a significant reduction in operating costs and also efficiently manage while making the most of their resources, whether the areas are intended for their customers or for their staff. This tool, besides giving the costumers the option to book products and services online, also generates a link between the venue and the clients in order to receive their feedback, being of great use for the entrepreneur wanting to improve their venues offer.
At the same time, the International Nightlife Association is preparing the launch of its new website that, in addition to including this new tool, will allow users to make on-line reservations at member establishments through an international nightlife guide. The International Nightlife Guide will highlight the venues that invest the most in security, health protection and quality of service, key information for attracting new customers. This new online booking website and the International Nightlife Guide will be available in March 2019. The great advantage of all this technological innovation is that venues will obtain greater customer loyalty by having a social network of their own; they will receive on-line bookings through a digital multimedia guide and also the evaluation of the venue according to their offer. Additionally, they will know in real time, the productivity of their public relations staff, which in turn will also be able to sell online and, in summary, will also obtain an important amount of analytics and statistics to know the evolution of their venue.
Joaquim Boadas, Secretary General of the International Nightlife Association has highly valued the signing of this agreement and has stressed the urgent need for the nightlife sector, a very important sector within the tourism macro sector, not to stay behind and start implementing the new technologies at a global level. In this sense, he stated the following: "This technological improvement will allow nightlife entrepreneurs to be more competitive in a globalized world by having tools that will allow them to attract more customers and have all the information and data necessary for decision making, all in real time".
As for Alberto Centeno, CEO of Discocil, he wanted to mention the advancement of this new tool for the nightlife sector, emphasizing the following, “Sooner or later the nightlife sector will have to endure a digital transformation and which will mark a before and after in the way nightlife works”.
We are pleased to attach a picture of the signing of the agreement that took place this morning in Barcelona. To the left of the image appears Joaquim Boadas, Secretary General of the International Nightlife Association and to the right Alberto Centeno, CEO of Discocil.
