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Training
From our industry research throughout the pandemic , on top of enforced redundancies , we found that six in 10 organisations serving the sector experienced resignations from their events staff . Due to the uncertainty of the industry during this period , three quarters of those leaving their roles did so to join another sector , reflecting a shake-up in the business meetings and events network .
As we welcome industry colleagues into new roles , and new faces into the sector , to maintain the highest of standards that have been set over the years , it is paramount that we continue to invest in training and development .
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“ During what was unquestionably a stressful time for all within the sector , the pandemic presented a unique opportunity for some to step up ” |
Speaking with our members coming out of the pandemic , we recognised the need for a one-stop training solution and are delighted to have launched a comprehensive training platform designed with the industry ’ s needs in mind to develop the skills , management and leadership of the sector , driving expectations in career development and business performance .
Not only will this prove essential in supporting organisations ’ retention strategies , but also in supporting the skills of the sector , its ability to provide five-star service and the development of the next generation of event professionals .
Connectivity
It was refreshing to meet with so many faces , old and new , at our recent Connect Day event at Alton Towers , where we experienced such optimism , energy and opportunity for the future of the sector .
On a day all about sparking new relationships , it also provided delegates with opportunities of consolidating with existing networks , with many LinkedIn connections established over the pandemic also meeting face-to-face for the first time .
With the pandemic reflecting what was ultimately a time for togetherness , with an intense point of interest for all within the sector , we saw more conversations , more connections and a freshly fuelled sense of community across the sector that has inspired many a new initiative and innovation to help drive the sector forward .
Recognition
We also made great strides throughout the pandemic in gaining much needed recognition of the meetings and events sector from government , which in the past has often found itself caught between the realms of a mixture of industries .
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Kerrin MacPhie , chief executive of the Meetings
Industry Association
Developing a direct relationship with government and the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) throughout the pandemic is something that we continue to benefit from today , as we provide ongoing intelligence to support with the development of policy for the sector .
I was delighted to be invited to join the Events Industry Board , which was also recently relaunched by government , as we work on plans to attract more business events to the UK . As a sound board for the government on the best way to help grow the business events industry across the UK , we as a sector , have a clear voice to government , and we will continue to ensure that the latest challenges and opportunities we face are now comprehended .
While the majority of organisations across the sector forecast recovery to take between one to two years , many have proven successful in adapting to new ways of working and the provision of new offerings that provide an optimistic outlook on the future .
We , the Meetings Industry Association , are working hard to continue providing the sector with the support needed to help equip the industry for the year ahead , and beyond . CN
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