25 Policy predictions
Depending on the result , could there be more or less support from government or is the industry resilient enough ?
“ Any changes in government are really difficult . We ’ re part owned by Welsh government and when there are changes in government it is really difficult , because you ’ ve spent so much time and energy educating the people in those positions , and aligning yourself to them to make sure that we ’ re at the top of the agenda , then they go and move !
“ Then you have people coming into positions with no background in the economy or commercial acumen . So , we try to stay really close not only to the individual in a certain position , but the support network around them , so that we ’ re not having to rebuild every time . For us , continuity is what we would like .” Bounds points out that a lot of convention centres around the UK are run with local government involvement , so the industry does spend a lot of time and energy lobbying and advocating certain things .
Alignment with PoE Although The Power of Events founder Rick Stainton says he tries not to get drawn into the lobbying of government , and rather focuses on his organisation helping trade association partners with PoE ’ s specific remit and helping align organisations better in pushing together in the same direction . PoE , he says , does provide the map of the industry so key stakeholders really can now go to the one platform . The initiative , he says , is backed by an unprecedented proportion of the UK events Industry , where the make-up , variety , depth and benefit to the UK economy and society is showcased . Stainton adds that PoE also now offers “ a more 21st century digital tool to collate the data insight so badly needed from our newly launched ‘ Events Industry Insight ’ app ( available from the App store -ed ) to help these associations have the data they need to support their policies ’ engagement with government .”
“ From what we are asked to support by connecting people and collating working groups from across our community of supporters and partners , the policies most at the forefront being developed are better , simpler and more consistent ways to do EU business across the member states , VAT reduction for some sectors with a heavy consumer focus , Sustainable Best Practice guides and standards , R & D Tax relief of investment similar to the type Film / TV industry currently has , and better academic and research support links with the industry ,” Stainton adds .
Stainton identifies a big need for improving government understanding of us as a broad industry of seven sectors , employing hundreds of thousands of people and offering levelling up opportunities , export value , and impact on the economy , culture and society . He says that PoE ’ s work to date has revealed a general view coming from all levels of the events community that it is not being taken as seriously as other similar sized industries , nor is appropriate engagement prioritised with us at the highest levels . “ But ,” he adds , “ as the industry refines its approach and collaborates better cross sector , delivers clearer asks and solutions while presenting bigger and better data with credible insights , the only way can be up !” CN www . conference-news . co . uk