SB : Demonstrating return on investment has never been more important , as Emma mentioned . Whether it ’ s sponsors or delegates , being really clear about ‘ what is in it for them ’ and why a person / organisation should be involved should be the first thing any PCO must consider when planning .

CN : After a significant pivot to digital , is the world going back to face-to-face ? ED : There will always be a role for virtual events but , for me , the best thing about meeting face-to-face is the networking and experience sharing that takes place outside of the lecture theatre or workshop room . This cannot be successfully replicated in the virtual world .

Ultimately , we must strive to design programmes and content that are appropriate for the delivery method to provide best value for time and money for all attendees .

SB : The digital world is here to stay and has been fantastic for bringing together members globally and ensuring events are accessible to all , but perhaps not in the capacity we originally thought .

From my own experience , face-to-face events in the academic association world have come back larger than ever . For 2023 , most of our clients are delivering in-person events and the few that are opting for hybrid are only live streaming a few key sessions then offering content on demand post-event .

CN : What are the biggest

“ The ability to take time off to attend events is still not back to pre-Covid levels , meaning delegates have to make really tough decisions about which events they can attend .”

challenges in the association sector at the moment ?

ED : In the medical association and charity world the ongoing impact of Covid-19 is still being felt . The ability to take time off to attend events is still not back to pre-Covid levels , meaning delegates have to make really tough decisions about which events they can attend . Supply chain issues are also being felt due to Brexit and the war in Ukraine as is the challenge of recruiting and retaining staff .

CN : What can individuals and organisations do to overcome those ?

SB : Offering on-demand or livestream options for content is the ideal but can be pricey unless organisers are creative with delivery methods . Revised cancellations options and booking protection are becoming more common to support delegate confidence . From a staffing point of view , it is vital that employers offer great benefits and pay , whilst ensuring they dedicate time for personal development .

ABPCO is supporting its members with this through ongoing education

sessions targeting each of these pain points as well as roundtables , where individuals can share challenges and seek advice in a confidential environment .

CN : Looking ahead , ABPCO is opening its excellence awards to more than just members – why ?

ED : We know there are so many fantastic events out there for us all to learn from . We wanted to ensure we give non-members of ABPCO a chance to shout out about their successes and that our members have the chance to develop and be inspired by these .

CN : Finally , what is new for the 2022 Excellence Awards ?

SB : We are delighted to have added some new categories , which include Rising Star , open to those showing exceptional promise early in their careers . In addition , we will be rewarding exceptional commitment to the promotion of diversity , equity , and inclusion in conferences ; as well as best practice in creation , planning and implementation of marketing campaigns . We look forward to seeing the entries .