Jane Longhurst , chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association , says it ’ s imperative not to lose sight of the power of the valuable business meetings and events industry
usiness meetings and events offer a fantastic marketplace for the UK ’ s key economic sectors . The stages we normally expertly create day in , day out , in our rich and diverse range of quality venues offer an international platform to showcase the UK ’ s creativity and innovation . We also expertly enable the nation to shine a spotlight on its world-class ability to facilitate and disseminate both scientific and medical research , as well as advanced education .
Events touch and support every part of the UK economy . Let ’ s not forget , that it was only last year that the government pledged its commitment to maximising the opportunities presented by our sector in its ‘ International Business Events Action Plan ’. A plan that recognised the vital role business meetings and events play in the UK ’ s tourism industry , which Business Visits and Events Partnership ( BVEP ) currently estimates contributes over 50 % to the total UK visitor economy .
By facilitating in excess of £ 165bn in trade , there ’ s no two ways about it : business meetings , conferences and exhibitions offer the government significant opportunities to further expand the UK ’ s trade , exports and knowledge economy and attract inward investment . And , even more
“ By facilitating in excess of £ 165bn in trade , there ’ s no two ways about it : business meetings , conferences and exhibitions offer the government significant opportunities to further expand the UK ’ s trade , exports and knowledge economy and attract inward investment ”
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crucially , Association view can play a key role as the UK sets on its course for economic recovery .
However , we all realise it ’ s going to take many , many months to re-build booker confidence so if the UK is to maintain its position as a leading European destination for hosting business meetings and events , it ’ s crucial that we continue the fight for a fixed reopening date that we can all aim towards .
Collaboratively we also need to use the time granted by the furlough extension lifeline to continue educating and demonstrating to the government how we can reopen and operate safely and securely , so the 30-person restriction doesn ’ t remain in place when we ’ re eventually given the green light . As business meetings are not mass gatherings and instead are organised events , we know a whole host of measures have already been put in place to keep delegates safe .
While being back in lockdown can feel there ’ s a long voyage ahead , you can rest assured that the Meetings Industry Association ( mia ) remains as determined as ever to safeguard the prospects of our beloved industry that contributes £ 70bn [£ 84bn including weddings ] to the economy to ensure that we turn the tide and can not only come back stronger than ever , but are still in a position to play a key role in supporting the UK ’ s economic recovery . www . conference-news . co . uk