3
Editor’s Letter
We
must be
heard
elcome to the July issue of Conference
News, which you may find a bit shorter
than normal. For this month, we have
concentrated on features only, rather than
including news. As news has moved so fast over the last few
months, the time between going to press and publication
can present a very different landscape.
Rest assured, though, the features we have included all
touch on key subjects. Firstly, our cover story sees us talk to
the team at Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire
Cricket Club, which is being used as a test bed for a
bio-secure environment to get the West Indies Test Series
underway. What lessons can eventprofs learn from what
they have done?
We then look at diversity in the events industry, a subject
that has been skating around the periphery of the agenda
for some time, but in light of large public protests, has
broken through. The events industry leads in many ways, so
ensuring inclusive events and working environments should
come easy. The message, though, is to not be afraid of
asking uncomfortable questions.
Elsehere, we discuss a new beginning for sustainable
events, and Nick de Bois, the former chair of the Events
Industry Board, talks to us about his new role as chair of
VisitEngland.
As far as the bigger picture is concerned, I hope you have
found our online coverage of the Covid-19 developments
helpful. It has been a humbling time for me personally as I
have received lovely comments from so many of you. I will
continue to represent you where I can, but together we can
all make a difference. In June I asked you all to write to your
local newspapers and broadcasters, and even try your luck
with the nationals, and I ask you continue to do that.
The key now is to amplify our voice, so don’t be afraid to
doggedly pursue the press.
We must be heard.
Martin Fullard
Editor
Conference News
www.conference-news.co.uk