The Alliance of Independent Event Agencies (AIEA) has discounted its annual membership fee by up to 50 per cent.
In light of the ongoing pandemic and the subsequent impact it is having on its members, the AIEA will reduce its fees for 2021, which means in some cases for sole traders, an annual free will cost £50.
“I met Paula Kelsey at an Accor event some years ago and she explained the organisation she and a group of small independent agents had set up,” said Alison Best-Dufour, who joined AIEA in January 2020.
“She described it as a community of likeminded agents like myself, who are working in the events industry as either a venue finding agent or as an event management agency. It took me some time to join - I regret not joining sooner!
“The support, encouragement and help we all provide each other is amazing- we can bounce ideas off each other and no question is ever a silly one. The committee has also arranged some amazing training sessions on Insurance, Legal, Social Media and sessions to develop our knowledge of venues, destinations and suppliers. During the pandemic, the social elements have been great fun and really lifted spirits – in many ways!”
In a statement, the AIEA said that with the number of negative stories circulating “it is important to share positive and engaging stories with each other. Just by holding coffee mornings and supplier updates virtually, members were able to come together and share knowledge and information and actually help each other through these unprecedented times. All of this has inspired members and even managed to spread positivity and joy throughout the membership.”
The discounted membership fees and expansion will allow the alliance to help new and existing members to cope with the “anticipated rise in customer expectations and experiences.”
Kerry Walsh, the current chair of the alliance will also spearhead an enhanced member benefits programme and encourage small independent agencies to join.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
