HBAA, the association for the meetings, events and accommodation industry, is calling for the government to lift its ban on venue site inspections.
Due to Covid-19, the Government has put a ban on venue site inspections until 17 May, but Des Mclaughlin, HBAA strategy director and MD of Meet Events, said this is causing a ‘colossal problem’ for the meetings and events industry.
“Our industry is facing a colossal problem because clients are not willing to sign an event contract without a site inspection and the government’s latest roadmap does not permit site visits until 17 May at the earliest, despite venues adhering to strict Covid-safe policies. This is blocking the return of a £70bn industry.”
The situation is also putting pressure on venue staff. Despite a higher level of enquires coming in since the Government announced its roadmap out of lockdown, revenue has not increased yet for venues therefore many staff remain on furlough.
“It has been extremely challenging for venues to respond to the sudden demand and balance staffing levels when many key personnel are on furlough because venues have been forced to close and do not have any immediate incoming business,” added Mclaughlin.
The issue was raised at the recent HBAA Let’s Talk Business Event. Beckie Towle, founder of The Events Raccoon and HBAA marketing director, explained that while some venues offer virtual tours, it is not sufficient to progress enquiries and provisional bookings to confirmations or contracts being signed.
Venue members at the event also said there is a need to promote flexible terms to clients, and that ease of service and agreeing realistic timelines for responses is important. There is also a willingness from venues to work with agencies on contracts and establish open lines of communication to secure client confidence and commitment.
Mclaughlin added: “The government must now act quickly to remove the roadblocks in our path because, now we are starting to see customer demand, it is critical for our sector to get back to business before it’s too late and we lose more fantastic companies and talented individuals.”
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.
