Conference & Meetings World Issue 117 | Page 3

More and more countries are lifting Covid restrictions , and we are beginning to see the conference machine whirr back into action

Leader

H ello and welcome to the latest issue of Conference & Meetings

World . I ’ m filling in this time for Paul Colston , who is taking a short break from proceedings , but fear not , we have a great range of features and comment for you .
We begin on p12 , in which we explore an award-winning gastroenterology and endo-surgery virtual conference , which was delivered by the UK branch of global agency MCI . The event took place in the eye of the pandemic storm , and while we celebrate its successful delivery to a global audience of 750 endo-surgeons , it ’ s a reminder of how much our industry has changed .
As I write , more and more countries are lifting Covid restrictions , and we are beginning to see the global conference

Back in business

Editorial director , Martin Fullard
machine whirr back into action . Yet , we are still seeing organisers split on whether to return to live , in-person events , or remain virtual .
Elsewhere in the issue , Oliver Thomas talks to Francesca Pollicini , general manager of institutional events at the International Council of Museums about the importance , challenges , and social responsibility of organising events ( p17 ).
We also speak to Arna Wahl Davies , co-founder and director of the New Zealand-based professional conference organiser company Composition , who tells us about organising virtual and sustainable events during the ongoing pandemic ( p21 ).
There is also an interview with Australiabased agency AGB Events about the recent Sydney Skyshow , and how B2B event organsiers can learn from the mass-appeal of creative solutions often designed into broader consumer experiences ( p25 ).
In this issue you will also find a preview to the virtual edition of ITB Berlin ( p29 ) and we learn more about the Africa MICE market with an in-depth interview with Megan Oberholzer , portfolio director at RX Global , WTM Africa ( p30 ).
There ’ s more , too : we have an extensive feature on Washington DC ( p35 ) and our main man Paul Colston explores the legacy of Dubai World Expo and what it means for the emirate ( p47 ).
So strap in , we ’ re back in business .
MANAGING EDITOR PAUL COLSTON pcolston @ mashmedia . net
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR IAIN STIRLING istirling @ mashmedia . net
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR MERCEDES ALONSO malonso @ mashmedia . net
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARTIN FULLARD mfullard @ mashmedia . net
INTERNATIONAL REPORTER OLIVER THOMAS othomas @ mashmedia . net
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER SABRINA BOUCHER
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ROBERT FLETCHER rfl etcher @ mashmedia . net
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ISSUE 117 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 3