Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie has already raised over $10,000 by promising to run a 5K race each hour for 24 hours in support of the event industry.
The Event Industry Backyard Ultra, scheduled from 8-9 June, is in support of the Meetings Industry Fund (US), EventWell (UK), and the Indian Red Cross Society that is supporting India as the country grapples with a Covid-19 surge.
The event will be livestreamed, with a goal of raising $24,000 in total via GoFundMe.
The event will concurrently livestream industry panel sessions covering hot topics from around the world. There will be regular check-ins with Emslie and other event industry runners who will be joining him from across the globe, including the United States, Mexico, the Middle East and China.
Sessions to be broadcast each hour will include:
- Advocacy Update on Travel and Exhibition Industry – Roger Dow/USTA, David Audrain/ECA, Tommy Goodwin/ECA
- Ribbon-cutting of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall and ‘Going Live’ at Informa’s World of Concrete trade show with Danica Tormohlen
- Taking Events Live in the Middle East Region – Ashley Roberts/Oman Expo Wilbert Heijmans, Infosalons (a Freeman Company) Graham Stephenson, ADNEC Gulsum Arslan – Dubai World Trade Center
"The past year has taken a tremendous toll on the events industry globally," the GoFundMe reads. "Doug will be joined by runners around the globe, as well as livestreamed content on hot-button topics."
Emslie commented: “The charities we have chosen will help people not only impacted in the events industry, but also assist with efforts to combat the devastating Covid surge in India. I hope the Event Industry Backyard Ultra can continue to raise awareness and money to build upon the great work that has already been done. I would like to thank everyone for their support for what I hope will be a very memorable day.”
The GoFundMe can be found here.
