"The use of events
to help the
economic recovery
will be critical."
If our voice is going to be heard in
this clamour, we need to produce
robust data and numbers to support
our cause and ensure that the level
of support provided is what is
required. As a key element of the
economic supply chain we also need
some other sectors to get up and
running too – so I would welcome
more cross-sector collaboration that
reflects the commercial eco-system
we operate in.
33
define policy and develop solutions.
Our job is to make sure that this
powerful and unique channel is fully
deployed for the greater good of UK
plc.
How do you feel when you see our
major venues, like ExCel, NEC,
SEC, Manchester Central etc.,
joining the national effort and
turning into hospitals?
I think it is absolutely terrific. It was a
shame there was the rent issue in
the national press, which obscured
the way the venues have brilliantly
worked in partnership
with the NHS to
create
effective
solutions
very
What is the current attitude
towards events by government, and
how will it view our industry when
we emerge from this crisis?
A significant amount of work had
been put in by DCMS officials, before
this crisis broke, into how to get the
best out of the UK events industry.
This built
on the
inclusion of
business
visits and
events into the
Tourism Sector deal.
All of that now needs
to be re-cast in light of
Covid-19, but generally
we are in a much stronger
position than ever before. In
terms of how they will view us
on the other side of this, I think
that is for us to determine.
The use of events to help the
economic recovery will be critical. If
we looked at a list of all the events
around the world that have been
cancelled or postponed it would be
impossible to ignore what a
significant channel events offers
everyone to come together, share
knowledge and experience, conduct
trade, explore culture, and enjoy
music and sport. Events can help
Big Interview
quickly. It is
also a tribute to
all the event
professionals and contractors that
pulled together to deliver the spaces
as and when required.
BVEP has led a united voice in the
fight for recognition, what can
those at the coalface of the events
industry do to be more active in
amplifying this voice?
I think I would go back to the point
about providing solid evidence of the
impact that this is having so that we
can put forward a compelling and
robust business case for the right
level of support. Many of our
partners are surveying their
members on a regular basis to put
this kind of detail together and this is
vital work.
Trying to balance supporting their
members in challenging
circumstances while also getting
them to supply business
critical information is very
hard but I am confident
they can get this done. It
is bringing out the very
best of our associations
and we should be proud of
the unity and collaboration
that we are seeing at the
moment.
Looking ahead, how do you think
the events industry - and business
attitude to events - will change
after Covid-19?
Hybrid solutions will become more
popular as we all realise that
face-to-face is, after all, only one
channel that events can deploy to
engage and help people share
compelling and enduring
experiences.
We must also answer the
question ‘why’ more effectively: why
are we bringing people together?
Why are we creating travel
requirements with big dirty carbon
footprints? Why are we using up
precious resources? Events are part
of the solution for the post Covid-19
challenge and we need to make
sure all our stakeholders get that
message.
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