Hello and welcome to another episode of the Perception Podcast with me your host Caroline Partridge. Today I have the immense pleasure of talking to the Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, Michael Kill not only about his passion for the night-time economy and culture, but also about the worrying rise of conscious bystander behaviour. We examine how the long and gradual disintegration of community may be one of the reasons for the growing reluctance to become involved in trying to resolve conflict on both an individual and societal level. And how if we are to ever remove the fear of engagement we will have to start with education in schools and rebuilding confidence in communities and each other. Please join me as we look at life through a different lens.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The night-time economy lacked representation pre-pandemic but now has a stronger voice to influence change through media, lobbying, and activism. 850,000 young people came of age during lockdowns then emerged with pent-up energy, less understanding of social norms, and fewer venues with infrastructure to support managed reopening. We need to improve education around topics like unconscious bias and rebuild the moral fabric of communities to increase public confidence in intervening in conflicts. Industry stakeholders should increase cultural understanding of nightlife scenes frequently perceived negatively without context. Communication and willingness to learn about subcultures versus quick judgment would improve relations between authorities and communities. The "conscious bystander" culture stems partly from fear of vilification when intervening and erosion of communal values to stand up to wrongdoing. Progress requires starting with schools to embed inclusivity and respect, though changing societal attitudes will take generations. BEST MOMENTS "I always draw back to this in the early days...there was a community that looked after each other." "The biggest issue...we didn't really have a really strong footing at the table, particularly things like electronic music or counterculture." "The community needs to play an active part in changing the perceptions of engagement." "It exemplifies the different eras that we live in and how the morals within society have changed." EPISODE RESOURCES Link to the next Night Time Economy Summit is February 8th & 9th 2024: Night-Time Economy Summit  ABOUT THE GUEST Blog With several decades of experience working within independent, corporate and public sector environments at executive level, Michael Kill has specialised in Marketing, Operations, Licensing, Logistics and System Implementation. Having been in significant senior management roles within Luminar Leisure Plc, The Drinks Group and the University of East Anglia, and now as the Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association he has experienced exposure to a considerable range of businesses within the night time economy business sector. Having worked closely with a considerable number of artists and music brands in developing bespoke shows for both stand alone events and larger scale festivals across the UK he still maintains a strong relationship and excellent reputation within the industry as an operator, promoter and procurement specialist. Socials & Contact Michael Kill - NTIA  NTIA website - https://ntia.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ntiaofficial/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wearethentia Link to the next Night Time Economy Summit is February 8th & 9th 2024: Night-Time Economy Summit ABOUT THE HOST Bio Caroline Partridge is a unique and creative individual. She is an actress, puppeteer, educator, and artist with funny bones. She loves a story and is an expert at conveying wit and wisdom with warmth, understanding, and empathy.   CONTACT METHOD FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/caropartridge LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-partridge-03131520 Instagram - https