Event Management & Delivery Framework 1 (emf1), Department For Culture
Framework Description
Event Management and Delivery Framework 1 (EMF1) is the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's framework for event management services, procured under the light-touch regime of the Procurement Act 2023. It was awarded in September 2026 to 25 suppliers across five lots. The initial term runs from 2 November 2026 to 1 November 2030, with options to extend by two 12-month periods to 1 November 2032.
Context & Use Case
DCMS set EMF1 up for central government departments and arm's-length bodies to buy agency-led event services in a consistent way. Call-offs are expected mainly through mini-competitions, with direct award where the framework terms allow. The lots run from national public-facing events and large indoor events to government stands at third-party events, small events and independent event assurance, including crowd safety.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: national and public-facing events Lot 2: medium to large indoor events Lot 3: government presence at third-party events Lot 4: small events Lot 5: event assurance services, including crowd management planning, crowd safety and operational crowd security
Lots
Lot 1 - National and Public-Facing Events; Lot 2 - Medium to Large Indoor Events; Lot 3 - Government Presence at Third-Party Events; Lot 4 - Small Events; Lot 5 - Event Assurance Services
Who Can Apply
Event management agencies, production companies and event assurance specialists with government or large public event experience. Applications for EMF1 are closed and its 25 suppliers have been appointed, so agencies not on it cannot join until DCMS re-tenders it, by November 2030 or later if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Five lots let government buyers match each event to agencies with the right scale and specialism, from a national celebration to a small workshop or a stand at a trade show. Mini-competitions keep pricing and ideas competitive, and a separate assurance lot gives independent scrutiny of crowd safety and security on high-profile events.
Next Steps
Appointed agencies should prepare for mini-competitions from November 2026 with up-to-date case studies, safety planning and accessibility approaches. Others should register on DCMS's Atamis portal, follow DCMS notices for the re-tender ahead of 1 November 2030, and look for subcontract work with appointed agencies, such as production or crowd management.
How Athena Can Help
For agencies appointed to EMF1, Athena's event bid writers build mini-competition responses around creative approach, safety, accessibility and audience outcomes, and test how you score against rival agencies.
If you are not on it, our framework pipeline planning finds other event and communications frameworks open now or opening soon, and our public sector pricing guidance helps you price events competitively and profitably when you bid, with a compliance check on every submission.
