EU Dialogue
Taking the business events message to Brussels
The EEIA was part of an industry partner alliance that opened a fresh ‘ EU Dialogue ’ in Brussels recently , attracting 180 industry professionals and European policy makers
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A institutions and a multitude of European and international professional associations , Brussels is no stranger to hosting events of all kinds . And it was against this backdrop that the ‘ EU Dialogue ’ event was organised , 17 April , by partners visit . brussels , the Joint Meetings Industry Council ( JMIC ), the City Destinations Alliance , and the European Exhibition Industry Alliance ( EEIA ).
The conference , which highlighted the often overlooked yet significant contribution of business events to economic growth and prosperity , caught the attention of senior policymakers and institutional stakeholders through its clearly defined purpose and value proposition . It also facilitated an open and constructive dialogue between key industry stakeholders and representatives from the European institutions , including the European Commission and Parliament .
The EU Dialogue conference was organised as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union , and attracted over 180 industry professionals and European policy makers from 15 countries / EU member states . It was an event that featured insights from 52 expert speakers and facilitated robust discussions .
Delegates to the EU Dialogue
‘ This event highlighted the fact that we should speak more of the Visitor Economy rather than just ‘ tourism ’.”
Left : Welcoming the EU Dialogue conference were welcomed by Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations Alain Hutchinson at Esplanade Solidarnosc , and they were also able to visit the European Parliament where they were treated to a presentation by MEP István Ujhelyi of the TRAN Tourism Task Force : how it operates , main priorities and achievements . There was also an opportunity for questions and exchange of views .
Patrick Bontinck , CEO at visit . brussels , said : “ Today , everyone is talking about positive impact . The conference demonstrated what this term means for the meetings industry . We now have a clear idea of how the sector can contribute to organising events that highlight the advantages of a destination , its intellectual capital and its infrastructure , while maximising its overall impact towards greater diversity , equality and inclusion , but also towards an industry that is aware of social and environmental issues and is ready to make sustainable changes to the way it operates . This event also highlighted the fact that we should speak more of the Visitor Economy rather than just ‘ tourism ’, as this term more fully encompasses and represents the entire ecosystem .”
James Rees , president of The Joint Meetings Industry Council ( JMIC ) added : “ The business events sector builds and operates the marketplaces and meeting places for various industries to gather , exchange ideas , and create solutions for the pressing challenges we face today . This event aimed to raise awareness about the industry ’ s broad impact and its potential for further development .”
Throughout the conference , attendees engaged in in-depth discussions across a spectrum of critical topics , including sustainability and mobility
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