Ahead of the next week’s planned easing of restrictions, Michael Begley from venuedirectory.com urges meeting and event planners to support their agency colleagues.  

Michael Begley, CEO of venuedirectory.com, the largest booking and data distribution service of venue information in the UK MICE industry, says:  

“Next week – 17th May – marks the next milestone in the recovery of the business events industry. We will see indoor events of up to 1,000 attendees or 50 per cent capacity resume [in England] and that’s a real cause for celebration. The gradual and planned easing of restrictions, combined with the successful vaccine roll out is a huge driver of confidence among meeting and event planners. However, in order to ensure our industry continues its path to recovery, I would urge planners to support their agency colleagues for whom business recovery may be slower.  

“The business event booking model means that agencies are often the last to receive a fee from a booking, despite being the first in line to receive the initial enquiry. This adds to the strain on an already fragile agency community with many professionals currently furloughed or redundant.   

“I’m calling on venue event and meeting planners to support their agency colleagues by sharing revenue received prior to the event with all relevant parties. With most venues offering very flexible cancellation or rescheduling terms, they can plan ahead with confidence.  

“Agencies are a vital part of the wider business events ecosystem and our industry needs to join forces and work closely together – supporting each other – to ensure a smooth path to recovery and a bright future.”