New day coming
The mood surrounding the exhibitions industry is feeling increasingly optimistic , as plans for the return of live events and international travel are beginning to materialise . Looking towards a slightly brighter 2021 , EW asked a selection of international eventprofs : how are they preparing to welcome back visitors , and what are they missing the most about live events ?
Ed Poland , CEO , Hire Space
How do you think the event landscape will have evolved ? I ’ ll be interested in the new technology for sure . We have brilliant new ways to make events impactful , and it ’ ll be fascinating to see what directions event organisers take this in . It ’ ll be wonderful to see friends and colleagues again , especially at industry events . And I ’ m intrigued by the canapes - will these have evolved post-pandemic ? So much to look forward to .
Lori Hoinkes – managing director , Montgomery Events
What are you most looking forward to about the return of live ? The chance for people to network again face-to-face – for the innovators to meet the decision-makers – and for industries and the economy to get the re-start that ’ s desperately needed .
Mark Cooper , IACC CEO
How are IACC member venues preparing for the return of live events ? Our member venues worldwide are preparing to embrace a change in group dynamics , as we see smaller , more regional groups return first , with a higher emphasis on creating social elements that celebrate colleagues coming back together again in person .
We are seeing greater requests for dining bubbles , where groups stay together and not share dining facilities with other groups . While we expect this to ease after 2021 , IACC venue layouts are well placed to accommodate this change and actually upgrade the experience with exclusive chef service and waiting staff .
What are you most excited for about the return of live events ? Absence makes the heart grow fonder and this will be no different for the return of live events . I look forward to events being valued more by both attendees and also organisations in the future . With greater respect for the need for people to be together to thrive , it may be difficult in the future to cancel events for other reasons . Also , I look forward to lots of smiles and happy people returning and reuniting with colleagues at our venues around the globe .
Sven Bossu , AIPC chair
What is the first thing you ’ ll do when back at a live event ? I look forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones , having a good discussion in a great location , and perhaps even with a glass of wine . To have the feeling that you are truly connected , sharing insights and plans and enjoying those precious moments .
Muhammad Vickneswaran , director of human resources at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
How are you preparing to welcome visitors back to the venue ? During lockdown , our entire staff has completed a thorough training programme on event services , and are are now market-ready to assist and guide our clients towards the right solutions for the successful execution of events .
As the market leader of Malaysia ’ s business events industry , a strong pillar in our organisational management is talent and professional development . Having the right expertise and talent is as important as acquiring all the advanced technological prowess , to leverage and reap the maximum potential that physical and virtual infrastructure offer .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2021 27