also an ever-increasing export opportunity
as they grow into new territories, creating
inward investment opportunities, selling UK
skills, expertise and products abroad. As an
industry, events lead to the employment of
over 570,000 people from apprenticeship
level upwards. They stimulate thought
leadership through the sharing of knowledge,
research and intelligence that progresses
scientific and technological understanding
and innovation. They also bring communities
together, whether they are united by a
common geography, interest, cause or belief.
Finally, events attract international audiences
to this country. People who buy our products
and services and in many cases return with
their families, boosting and complimenting
the UK tourism industry. To do that we must
not let Britain become simply a destination
for national events, but a major competitor
at an international level and that is what
government and industry can jointly achieve
by working together.
to your events and to this vitally important
work.
After all, the time for lamenting lack of
government action is now past, it’s time for
action and we all need to step onto the stage
and play our part.
Now is the time for the whole industry to get
behind everything we are doing and support
this work for the benefit of the entire events
sector, and help the wider UK economy by
doing so. As a sector we should recognise
that government is playing its part, and now
it’s time for us to do the same. By staying
engaged in the long term process of the
work that is being done to support the sector,
the outcomes will inevitably be that much
stronger. When the call for applications to
seek government support to win the hosting
of international conferences is made, I hope
the industry will respond energetically at
every level. Without that engagement we
stand far less chance of success. Individually
you can support that work by attending the
growing number of events and discussions
on those topics over the coming months and
make your voice heard. I hope this new sense
of commitment will encourage you to become
a passionate advocate and champion for your
industry.
The 16 members of the board are themselves
ambassadors for the events sector and will
always seek to meet and discuss the ongoing
work of the Events Industry Board, and I hope
you will not hesitate to invite us to contribute
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