Exhibition News Winter 2023 | Page 12

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EIA paves the way for Government recognition

In a world still grappling with the aftermath of a pandemic , the Events Industry Alliance ( EIA ) has stepped up as the united voice for the Association of Event Organisers ( AEO ), the Association of Event Venues ( AEV ), and the Event Supplier and Services Association ( ESSA ). Through strategic parliamentary engagement , research , and stakeholder interactions , the EIA is leading the charge towards economic growth and industry recognition .
Parliamentary reception : Forging a path The EIA ' s recent Parliamentary reception was a resounding declaration of its commitment to champion the business events industry . The event was attended by cross-party MPs , Government ministers and officials together with , influential business leaders , providing the perfect platform to unveil its new manifesto .
The manifesto , built on three pillars - ' Becoming the world ' s meeting place ,' ' Growth ,' and ' Developing skills and people ', holds the key to unlocking the industry ' s full potential as a driver of economic growth . It underscores the pivotal role of businesses essential to the industry ' s success , acting as catalysts for growth by facilitating international and domestic trade .
The manifesto ' s policy proposals focus on creating growth incentives , reducing trade friction , expanding market access and championing key sectors to stimulate trade . This comprehensive approach is a testament to the EIA ' s dedication to ensuring the industry ' s interests are not only represented but also comprehensively understood and communicated to the Government .
Data-driven advocacy : The Economic Impact Study In addition to the ' Parliamentary reception ', the EIA commissioned an Economic Impact Study to quantify the industry ' s contributions to the UK ' s economy . This comprehensive study , the fourth of its kind , spotlights the significance of exhibitions in the United Kingdom .
The industry ' s resilience shines through , with pre-pandemic contributions of £ 11bn to UK businesses . Even in 2022 , with a reduced impact of £ 9.4bn , the sector serves around 123,000 exhibitors , supports 99,000 jobs and attracts 6.1 million visitors to the UK . These figures underscore the industry ' s potential to further enrich the UK ' s economy , both on the national and global stages . The opportunities to drive incremental and significant economic growth is obvious to us , but there is much to be done to inform the Government and policy makers to make this happen .
Stakeholder engagement Recognising the need for a broad coalition of support , the EIA actively engages with government officials , ministers and key stakeholders . It answers calls for evidence from government departments and has forged vital connections with the Department for Business , Energy , and Industrial Strategy ( DBT ) and the Department for Digital , Culture ,
12 — Winter