40 UK events industry
have been compounded by inflation and geo-political tensions .
However , Stainton points out that eventprofs are thinkers and problem solvers . “ We just get on with it , but this commitment can also sometimes be our undoing as it can be impacted by a reasonable expectation of work / life balance , feasible time scales or budget realism and the consequent impact on welfare .” All these are elements the industry is striving to get better policies on , he says .
In terms of how the market is likely to evolve over the next 12 months , Stainton points out that there are good news stories and growth opportunities for business overseas . He points to the client services innovation going on , a sign that the industry is constantly evolving to provide world-class experiences .
“ This year there is a broad range of major sporting events , product innovation in AI / Tech infrastructure , more sustainable household products , big movements of global growth patterns from China and Europe towards India , the Middle East and the US ,” he says , all of which offer up a variety of incredible opportunities for the UK events industry .”
Heather Lishman , director of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers ( ABPCO ), represents a part of the event community largely concentrated on the association , not-for-profit side of the industry . And here she adds that just because an organisation is ‘ not-for-profit doesn ’ t mean it doesn ’ t spend money . Some are big players in the industry .
“ Our universities and the research experience we have mean that our members are in a great community because of the resources they can use . There is a concentration on sharing best practice and research . And , out of that , the world gets changed .”
Lishman points out that we are always breaking new boundaries in an environment that is conducive to that , and she gives the example of the fast roll out of the Coronavirus vaccines . “ That ’ s what professional conference organisers are doing . They ’ re bringing together relevant folk and making a difference ,” she says .
In terms of the buzz phrase of the day , AI , Lishman points out we are all trying to make it work for us , but without crossing boundaries into GDPR . “ The challenge is how to get those data analytics without feeling like we ’ re being run by computers . When people get together and talk , it ’ s that whole watercooler thing , and that ’ s when breakthroughs happen because they are able to interact in a much better way ,” she says . “ We want people to realise that coming to a conference and actually physically being there is the best use of their time .”
On the question of any lasting effects of Brexit on the industry , Lishman points out that VisitBritain has plenty of really good resources to help people to navigate through that . “ Maybe we thought that it would be more of a problem than it is and we are beginning to get the answers .” She says Brexit is not something that has members knocking on her door . www . conference-news . co . uk