Cárdenas, Guthrie, Mace, Rice Announce Launch of Live Events Caucus

Press Release

WASHINGTON -- This week, Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Kathleen M. Rice (D-NY) announced the launch of the Live Events Caucus, which they will co-chair. The mission of the Live Events Caucus is to highlight the contributions and impacts of the vast and diverse live event ecosystem, and how live events drive economies, create jobs and memorable experiences that uplift communities and culture.

"The live event industry employs more than 12 million people, so many of whom work in and around my district," said Rep. Cárdenas. "Not only do they generate over $1 trillion to the nation's economy, but the live entertainment and experiences they provide stimulate and celebrate the diverse cultures across our communities. That is why I am proud to lead as a co-chair of the Live Event Caucus."

"I'm happy to help lead the Live Events Caucus as co-chair this Congress as this economic driver is making a return to our local communities. Live events support more than just the local workers, small businesses, and venues directly involved in this industry. These events also bring in business for hotels, restaurants, and retailers in the community where a live event is held. I look forward to working with Representatives Mace, Cárdenas, and Rice on this bipartisan caucus," said Rep. Guthrie.

"A good time is bipartisan! To Co-Chair the Live Events Caucus gives Team SC-01 the opportunity highlight our vibrant entertainment industry that is the allure of our beautiful coastline and district's communities. Covid-19 put the tenacity and resilience of our live events' industry leaders on full display and I'm eager to put them first in our work in Congress alongside Reps. Guthrie, Cárdenas, and Rice."

"I'm proud to be a co-chair of the new Live Events Caucus," said Rep. Rice. "When we support workers on the stage and behind the scenes, we also support countless local businesses that benefit from concerts and sporting events, such as bars, restaurants, hotels, and transportation services. The show must go on!"

To learn more about the Live Events Caucus, please read the Dear Colleague below:

Dear Colleague,

We all remember our first concert, taking kids to a sporting event, or seeing our favorite band live. These events are memorable because of the stagehands, lighting techs, and ushers that work hard to deliver these experiences. Their hard work also has a positive impact on our local, state, and national economies.

As members who represent the thousands of live event workers in the United States and the venues that employ them, we are forming the Live Event Caucus and urge you to join. The mission of the Live Events Caucus is to highlight the contributions and impacts of the vast and diverse live event ecosystem, and how live events drive economies, create jobs and memorable experiences that lift up our communities and culture.

According to a recent report done by Oxford Economics, the live event industry's total nationwide economic impact of $132.6 billion supported 913,000 total jobs with associated labor income of approximately $42.2 billion in 2019. While the national impact of the live event industry is significant, it starts locally. Behind the artists on stage and fans in the stands, there is an ecosystem of venue operators, producers, technicians, engineers, production crews, performers, working musicians, and talent representatives who have worked in their communities to create authentic and memorable live event experiences. And, the economic impact of live events extends beyond the jobs, event, and venue itself to local restaurants, hotels, bars, retailers, and small businesses. Live events also contribute to the overall quality of life in a region that helps to attract and retain businesses and helps to create the sense of community so many crave after this year of isolation.

As we all look forward to the safe return of live events and engagement with our communities this summer, we hope that you will join us as a member of the Live Events Caucus.