We caught up with Heather Lishman, association director of ABPCO (Association of British Professional Conference Organisers), as part of our Changing Times series of industry views on the unfolding coronavirus outbreak.
It has almost become a cliché to say that we are in unprecedented times. However, with the Government’s announcement on 23 March, and with an effective state of lockdown, life really has changed beyond anything we have ever known.
The result is scary for many and terrifying for others – however, there is also an immense amount of community spirit and support in evidence across the industry and it is that which I hope will see us through the coming weeks and months.
Heather Lishman, ABPCO association director.The association events business in the UK has always been and will continue to be strong because of the expertise, research and knowledge we have developed across the nation in so many different sectors. It is resilient but members will still communicate, they will still need to share knowledge and in time they will come back together to meet in person.
One of ABPCO’s core values is that of belonging. As an association, we have a true sense of community, support and empathy across our membership. I am not even going to try to predict what the next few months hold for us as an industry.
But ABPCO members are generally not talking in terms of cancellation but postponement; partners, suppliers, venues and destinations are seeking every possible opportunity to support them because we are ultimately all in this together.
Through a variety of technologies, we are all finding ways to continue working. We are slowly beginning to understand the new normal.
It is too early to think of lessons learnt from this crisis, but it is certainly teaching new ways to communicate and I for one am delighted to see the strength of the ABPCO membership as they work together for the benefit of all.
Keep safe.
