Meetings Industry Association chief executive Kerrin MacPhie has called for the government to send a confidence message in support of business events.
Speaking on the M&IT Talks podcast, MacPhie said that business events needed a sector-specific message from government in the vein of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme that supported restaurants reopening after the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
“I do think a confidence message from government is much needed,” she said. “To just say ‘The events industry’s open, go and meet’. Just like they said ‘Go and eat’. I’d like some positive messaging, and for them to actually state ‘hospitality and events’.”
MacPhie added that it was important that the government specifically mentioned events, as “hospitality means so many things to different people, you don’t immediately think of business events”.
She also hailed the government’s decision to lift all Plan B restrictions from January 27 as “fantastic news”, but warned that while Covid passes for entry to events may no longer be mandatory, there could still be measures in place at venues for some time to come.
She said: “As we know, there is and will be a long tail to Covid. Covid will not disappear. So although we may not have to wear masks and so on, there may be guidance from venues where masks may be recommended.
“There is no need for certification or negative testing now, which is great, but there may be a check at the door for vaccinations or negative testing. Then once you’re through that door you’re in a place where everybody can relax and you can get on with doing the event itself.
“I’m not sure that we’re back to shaking hands and hugging people en masse, but I think we will very quickly get back to doing business and doing business well.”
MacPhie also hailed event professionals for their resilience during the pandemic.
“I know that our industry has been resilient and agile beyond belief,” she said. “How we have managed to stop and start and stop and start is fantastic. It’s a real credit to how we do business. It’s shown how we can continue to do business regardless of what happens.”
Source: M&IT
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