Have your say in the important debate of who owns the data

t is good , finally , to see more than one destination back on the front foot for hosting in-person events . One such beacon of hope and best practice is the Gulf where events such as GITEX , IDEX , Arabian Travel Market and Gulfood have been safely delivered in recent months and Dubai Expo 2020 is on the horizon . We talk to industry leaders in Dubai , Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in this issue who explain how their emirates are back in the swing and staging regional events with workable safety protocols . In Europe , we examine a report from the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux on the Impact of Coronavirus on Europe ’ s Convention Sector 2021 and find some interesting forecasts , including that smaller domestic-oriented corporate meetings and events are leading the way back and set to reach 2019 levels by the end of 2022 . Check out also the ‘ reinvented ’ ICCA statistics , pages 14-15 .

One global event that brings with it a giant legacy for MICE business is the Olympic Games , now scheduled to open in Japan in a matter of weeks . We look at some key Japanese destinations hoping , no doubt , the Olympic torch will illuminate their MICE offer for the post-pandemic era . An event that celebrates the best of sporting achievement can also help us kick start the business of meeting again .

Of course , the reopening of international business travel is the elephant in the room for the return of large , truly international conventions and incentives business . Here the world is largely still in cautious mode with only a few ‘ green ’ corridors opening up .

The experience of the Euro 2020 football championships has shown , like various pilot events in Europe , that crowds can be controlled safely for large events , just as flow and hygiene procedures are working well in supermarkets around the world .

Credit also to our industry associations that have lobbied for so long and so hard to educate our politicians in the facts that our business events can be safe platforms for reigniting our economies and for saving thousands of livelihoods and , therefore , addressing a wider issue of ‘ health ’, both mental , social and physical , in society .

We explore in this edition also the likely future hybrid event mix and reflect on what the new data landscape may look like and , most importantly , what it should look like . Have your say in this important debate on who owns the data , and I am sure you will find inspiration from the article by event auditor BPA ’ s CEO Glenn Hansen .

MANAGING EDITOR , PAUL COLSTON

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our friend , colleague and global account director Jon Howell .

Jon , who was 62 , was a much loved member of the Mash Media and event industry family and had been fighting cancer for 18 months .

Jon had long experience in the events industry , working previously at Centaur , UBM , Legend Exhibitions and Interactive Exhibitions . He joined Mash Media in 2013 and worked initially on International Confex and , in more recent years , on our International Portfolio .

Mash Media MD Julian Agostini , paying tribute to Jon , said : “ Jon epitomised everything we aspire to be at Mash Media ; he was a true gentleman , cared passionately about the industry , worked ridiculous hours , loved his sport , banter and , of course , a beer , I don ’ t think I ever saw him angry , he was our best face .”

Our condolences and thoughts are with Jon ’ s family at this time .

Rest in peace , Jon . You were a true internationalist .