Association comment input , engagement , and outputs . The associations now have a vision to move forward . The immediate aim is to get and retain open status , to push the time limited mitigations to ensure the industry remains open . The ERP pilot events are great foundations , providing evidence that events are not super spreaders , they are a major component in the engine of economic recovery , events are not the problem . But government must be supportive in building confidence with visitors , exhibitors , participants and ourselves . A government backed insurance scheme is a key component and one for which the EIA is still fighting . In the mid-term the aim is to build advocacy for events amongst key influencers throughout government , tuning into key manifesto pledges and integrating
events into the overall picture , gaining letters of support , video messages , official participation on panels and possible attendance , all of which need to dovetail into the parliamentary priorities of government . The associations will work to solidify their position as the representative body for business events in the longer term , providing improved insight into the changes and nuances of the fluid agenda within government , identifying the key sectors for UK economic growth . It will then become easier to evidence the economic stimulus provided by running events .
THE PANDEMIC BROUGHT ITS SUCCESSES
The Diversity & Inclusivity Working Group , a key subject for discussions , weekly meetings , Zoom talks on this multifaceted area , the associations have created a diversity and inclusivity hub , due to launch this summer , to help members work through this within their organisations . Sustainability is high on everyone ’ s agenda with all parties committed to creating a roadmap to net zero waste , engaging on a journey with international associations and aiming towards working with
UNFCC . The Sustainability Working Group has developed tactical activities , including a ‘ commitment document ’ suitable for all stakeholders including things that every organisation can do whether they are on their sustainability journey , and a new sustainability module builds upon the success of ESSA Accredited , another summer roll out . Virtual and hybrid events peaked and , while many will find a new home in the events calendar , we are all committed to bringing our communities back to faceto-face . To do this we are planning a second half year full of opportunities to meet industry colleagues both old and new . The AEO is looking forward to continuing its Centenary Celebrations with its first face to face event of 2021 , its International CEO Summit , the Summer Soiree on 21 July , and at the end of the year it ’ s Centenary Party & Awards . The AEV is considering holding its conference , which will be held towards the end of the year , and ESSA has launched its AGM and BBQ and is looking at options for a conference later in the year .
Cross-association working groups have been invaluable during the pandemic and now , all associations will look at their own workflows to maximise on the unprecedented engagement achieved via the working group model , making them more accessible to all .
June — 11