diff --git a/booking.regn_node.inc b/booking.regn_node.inc
index f2d9150..1a5685a 100644
--- a/booking.regn_node.inc
+++ b/booking.regn_node.inc
@@ -23,6 +23,14 @@ function _booking_node_create_mysqlview()
 	global $event;
 	$studygroups = array();
 	
+	//sometimes we will execute when hook_init hasn't been called
+	//for example at install or upgrade time
+	//so query the database directly for the event currently active
+	if ($event == NULL) {
+		watchdog('booking_debug', "Calling _booking_node_create_mysqlview() when hook_init not yet run.");
+		$event = db_query("SELECT * from {booking_event} where booking_event_active=1")->fetchObject();
+	}
+		
 	$query = db_select('booking_person', 'p');
 	//add price info
 	$query->join('booking_price', 'pr', 'p.booking_payment_id = pr.pid');