IT ’ S COMING HOME
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Kerrin MacPhie , head of business events at VisitBritain and VisitEngland , reveals the innovations on hand to get the events industry back to business
ollowing the UK Government ’ s announcement on 22 February of the four-step plan to ease lockdown in England , MeetEngland is reassuring event planners , destinations and suppliers that planning for recovery of the business events industry continues . From innovative new technology solutions to international event wins and crucial industry initiatives , England is working hard to ensure we can safely welcome back events as soon as we are able to do so .
Throughout the pandemic , the business events industry in England has shown incredible resilience and innovation , working extremely hard to ensure it is ready to welcome back visitors . This was demonstrated earlier this year when Cornwall was announced as the destination for the G7 Summit in June , bringing together international leaders from across the world to discuss climate change and post-Covid recovery . This event will not only demonstrate how England is getting ready to meet again , but that it is also recognised as a world-leading destination for global conferences .
In 2021 , the business events sector has further adapted to meet the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 , keeping the needs of its clients and delegates front-of-mind . A great example is the recently launched Hybrid Events Solution UK ( HESUK ). English Core Cities has joined forces in a UK industry first to launch HESUK , a new multi-city initiative that delivers national hybrid events from multiple regional hubs in Covid-secure venues across England . Destinations including Birmingham , Bristol , Leeds , Liverpool , Manchester , NewcastleGateshead , Nottingham and Sheffield are part of this contemporary approach , an exciting development in our industry . We also know there is a need to build confidence and reassurance . Our ‘ We ’ re Good to Go ’ industry standard reassures planners and delegates that we will safely welcome back events when the time is right . In the UK , more than 45,000 tourism and events businesses have registered with the scheme , demonstrating that they are adhering to Government and public health guidance . Businesses signed up to the scheme can also now automatically make use of the
Above : Kerrin MacPhie
World Travel & Tourism Council ’ s Safe Travels stamp , recognising the standard of protocols and processes we already have in place in the UK .
The WTTC stamp enables planners and their delegates to recognise destinations around the world which have adopted global standardised protocols so they can experience ‘ Safe Travels ’.
Time and again our business events sector has shown its agility , having to regroup and think of innovative ways to reimagine the future of events . As we move towards embracing a ‘ new-normal ’ in our sector , we are all looking forward to getting back to doing what we do best : providing world-class experiences in unforgettable destinations that showcase why England is a leading choice for international events . www . conference-news . co . uk