Feature clear and narrow focus when making requests or recommendations . The combined membership of the EIA , in spite of historical enlargements of scope and membership of its constituent associations , is still in a tight orbit around exhibitions . While this might be seen as a weakness , it is the EIA ’ s strongest suit ; trade and consumer exhibitions can , and will , form part of the essential post-covid , post-Brexit economic turbocharging that ’ s going to be required . So , as the country gets vaccinated and awaits the four steps to freedom from the pandemic , the EIA is once again working with the government to bring the event industry back . The industry has shown , twice , that it is ready and able to hit the ground running when the pandemic permits , but this needs to be part of a wider collaboration with the government and a new relationship that recognises the event industry ’ s role in

restarting other industries . Simon Parker , EIA Board member , explained : “ We need a relationship that is underpinned by a real sense that the government understands what we do and what contribution we make to UK plc . We are global leaders in events and that position can only be enhanced by Government support .” The EIA contends that the financial support to the sector has not been sufficiently timely , specific or generous and has raised awareness of this . In a recent EIA campaign , every local authority in England was sent an FOI request which revealed extreme disparities in the dispensation of the Additional Restrictions Grant ( ARG ), intended to help businesses affected , but not forced to close , by the pandemic . The responses suggest that over 80 % of the funds have yet to be allocated to businesses in need . The UK will be looming

FEBRUARY ‘ 21

Lockdown continues

EIA write to PM & Chancellor seeking roadmap and financial support

PM aanounces roadmap and launch of events research programme

EIA write to Chancellor , BEIS , LRG regarding £ 1.4B support withheld by LAs

Letters sent to a targeted group of MPs

TIMELINE OF ACTIVITY

large on the world stage this year , with the G7 Summit of world leaders in Cornwall , and the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow . Organising , hosting and building these global events will be the responsibility of the UK

JANUARY ‘ 21

Lockdown 3 begins FOI request sent to gov to clarify decision making EIA raises failing support from gov in national media Over 400 FOI requests sent to UK local authorities

Letters sent to a targeted group of MPs

event industry , and the government knows this . As Simon Parker put it : “ It is important to look forward and build on the momentum we have created . I think there is now a far greater awareness of what we do - the key is to build on that .”