for their teams in January and February became a reality .

We also had the knowledge that this barren period would be followed by an intensely busy one , arguably busier than the unforgettable autumn of 2021 as those shows that decided not to cancel in the UK and overseas , postponed to the spring instead . This meant business owners faced the challenge of retaining valuable staff while cash flow dried up .

Time well spent Thankfully , suppliers to events and exhibitions are a resilient and resourceful bunch and have used the time wisely to train and upskill staff so that they are ready to support exhibitions as soon as they start again .

This enforced break has allowed our members to take a longer-term view , to identify the potential pinch points and know how best to avoid them .

One focus has been on health and safety . We have seen strong interest in and take-up of ESSA ’ s new certification scheme since launching it in December , which certainly demonstrates a readiness and understanding from our supplier and service provider members of the challenges that may need to be overcome , and an opportunity to assess health and safety benchmarks and raise standards . We also have new people coming into the industry and work is underway to get these people m a t c hfi t .

Not only does this allow

suppliers to feel confident about keeping themselves , organisers and their delegates or attendees safe at the next event , but it also means that event planners , organisers and venues working with ESSA members to support their next exhibition can also rest assured that they are working with companies that take health and safety seriously . As we prepare for things to get busy again this will be crucial .

Considerable consideration As mentioned , we are aware this spring will be a busy time . Venues and event organisers have been juggling clients and trying to find solutions that work for all and suppliers will be doing their utmost to support them .

As we prepare for this , I have a plea to all stakeholder groups . Our collective aim will be to deliver a safe and successful event for clients and in order to achieve this we must continue to work together and understand

the challenges each area of the industry faces . From the revised spring schedule we can already see we have many overlapping event schedules , both in the UK and internationally . Practical solutions exist everywhere to make sure safe and successful events take place for our shared clients whilst also maintaining safe environments for those who work within our industry .

Taking a sympathetic and pragmatic approach to the way we do business over the next few months is essential if we are to make this return to events a success and safeguard the future of the industry .

Every part of the industry has been affected and let ’ s not forget that . We all need each other , so let ’ s respect this to keep things moving and avoid unnecessary blockages . Look at the space and access that exists around you to support the delivery of events , seek solutions from the supply chain , look at welfare , pay invoices swiftly . Explore

every avenue before making a decision and use industry resources to help you do this .

If you are a member of a trade organisation , consult them for the most up-todate guidance and use their resources to take the pressure off . Choosing an ESSA member and accredited suppliers , for example , will provide assurance that health and safety and sustainability are priority considerations and this will inspire confidence all round .

Above all , we need to regard the wellbeing of everyone working in this industry – whatever role they play . Protecting our workforce is essential if we are to achieve this collective aim . We can ’ t do it without people , so we need to ensure they will stay in this industry . By showing continued consideration for each other and the challenges we each face in our businesses we stand a better chance of achieving that and the safe delivery of a standout season . EN

February — 57