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Alden Arnold
the meetings , what became clear during the pandemic is that by going virtual , the groups all benefited from a big jump in participation and engagement , and this proved to be a great opportunity for our international members to get more involved too . With the pandemic restrictions largely over in the UK and , new uncertainties notwithstanding , our working groups have evolved to become a hybrid offering . They are returning to face-to-face meetings as appropriate , but having regular virtual catch-ups . Virtual communications have also precipitated smaller sub-groups of members - where their joint expertise was able to create particular focus , members met virtually in their own time to explore key subjects or resolve particular points such as economic impact , insurance ,
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“ The new reality of hybrid meetings means it ’ s easier than ever to get involved and help shape the future of the UK event industry .”
welfare , alternative power and diversity . We want to preserve this momentum and maintain this greater participation . Our working groups drive change and provide direction for the event and exhibition industry . They are where the cross-association membership can meet the challenges presented by pooling its experience and insight . The benefits of the working group ecology reach beyond the memberships of our associations , and they lead the industry on several important issues . The eGuide , produced and led by the eGuide Working Group in collaboration with many other working groups , is recognised as the industry ’ s best practice document and has become essential reading for venues , organisers , exhibitors and suppliers . It provides clear and straightforward guidance
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for achieving common standards of health , safety and operational planning , management and on-site conduct across UK event venues . The Security Working Group continues to work closely with government , law enforcement and counter-terrorist organisations , cascading vital and timely guidance and information to protect employees , visitors , exhibitors and the public . It is currently holding a series of Protect Duty awareness sessions for senior security , event management and operations personnel , enabling venues , organisers and suppliers to align their security procedures and protocol expectations with the Protect Duty law when it comes into effect . The Sustainability Working Group has created the first set of industry sustainability commitments with sector specificity , which allows members to build on their own sustainability practices , identify areas that need focus , and take advantage of a library of resources and advice that will be under constant development . The event industry HR Working Group is examining and documenting the sea-change in office and company culture that ’ s been the result of the disruption the whole country experienced . The group is focused on recovery , talent retention and the future of post-pandemic working life . The new cross-association Diversity & Inclusion |
Working Group has been working hard this year to create a member-only AEV Diversity and Inclusion Hub , an online resource providing guidance and advice for cross-association member businesses on how to promote diversity and best accommodate the needs of their workforce , regardless of their age , ability , gender , ethnicity or sexual orientation . Whatever your personal expertise , there is a working group to welcome you . The new reality of hybrid meetings means it ’ s easier than ever to get involved and help shape the future of the UK event industry . We ’ re incredibly proud of the work that they do , and the quality and enthusiasm of the chair and vice leads . Their collective strength is in their diversity in geography , opinion , expertise and experience . It ’ s now easier than ever to join and participate in our working groups , and your contribution to the benefit of our industry is only a few clicks away . To quote our newest venue member : “ We were impressed with the AEV ’ s degree of member engagement , and its proactive , constructive approach to the difficulties posed by the pandemic and successive lockdowns . As we begin to restart exhibitions and conferences we felt that the AEV ’ s position as a voice for the industry , and the many networking , education and knowledge sharing opportunities available , were strong arguments for membership .” EN |
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May — 49 |