Conference & Meetings World Issue 107 | Page 35

Legacy Recipe for legacy eco-system DENMARK MEETINGS INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE COMBINED FORCES TO PRODUCE A REPORT THAT SIGNPOSTS A PATHWAY FOR REALISING CONFERENCE LEGACIES enmark has new tools for creating meeting legacies, but what are the actual steps involved for associations wanting to take advantage of them? A new report from MeetDenmark attempts to provide some answers. A legacy report and tools are part of a new study by national CVB MeetDenmark. In addition to a model for step-by-step planning, organising and financing legacy activities, the bureau’s report explores how destinations can choose which congresses to spend their limited resources on in relation to legacy. Furthermore, it explores how to create a legacy eco-system and a common understanding of legacy and its potential for the destination. The legacy tools are based on previous experiences as well as insight gained from four new case studies held in Denmark in 2019, including WindEurope’s Offshore 2019 (November, Copenhagen), the world’s largest offshore wind energy congress. The other three were IOT Week, VisitAarhus in June; RE:Sound August, Wonderful Copenhagen and 100% Climate Neutrality, October, Inspiring Denmark. While Covid-19 has challenged the global meeting industry, MeetDenmark believes that having clear legacy goals when planning a congress is more important than ever. “By releasing this study and the tools we hope to help the international meeting community make scientific congresses even more relevant, impactful and valuable for both associations and destinations in the future. With the need for sustainability and everything currently happening in the world, we feel that it is even more important to carefully consider and plan what long-term effects a congress can and should have,” says Birgitte Hee Olesen, chairman of MeetDenmark. Recognising the importance and potential of meeting legacies for Danish businesses and society, both The Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs and The Danish Executive Board for Business Development and Growth are providing financial support for MeetDenmark and the legacy work at the Danish destinations. “By connecting Danish businesses and local communities with the more than 100,000 leading international scientists, specialists and decision-makers who visit Denmark every year to attend congresses, we are creating stronger international networks, collaboration and innovation. We are also promoting Danish solutions and Denmark as a great place to live and work. But, just as important, we assist the international scientific associations realise their visions and missions. It is a win-win,” says CEO Mikkel Above: Royal Playhouse Aarø-Hansen, Wonderful Copenhagen CVB. This study seeks to inform the optimal approach to planning, implementing and validating meeting legacies and thereby creating a framework that will help broaden the contribution to society from the meeting industry. The full report can be downloaded at www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com Denmark opens its doors a little wider for visitors The Danish authorities followed up the 15 June opening of the country’s border to visitors from Germany, Iceland, and Norway who have pre-booked accommodation for a minimum of six days, and, from 27 June have been allowing citizens from a range of other EU countries to visit also. There are some conditions, however. The Danish border is open to citizens from EU countries with fewer than 20 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 inhabitants. The list of countries and their infection rate is updated every week. At time of writing, citizens of all European countries including the UK can travel to Denmark except for Sweden and Portugal. Visitors can enter Denmark for the purpose of attending meetings. As of 8 June, conferences and meetings of up to 500 persons were allowed as long as participants are mainly seated throughout the event. Large gatherings, such as festivals and other big events, remain banned through 31 August 2020. ISSUE 107 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 35