Don’t cancel, postpone. That’s the message that euromic executive director Huw Tuckett is urging the industry to adopt in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
In an open letter to the industry, he urged event professionals to communicate with clients to find ways to make programmes happen, rather than just accepting cancellations.
He said: “I believe there are some actions we can take collectively that hopefully will restore some sanity and reduce the levels of panic we are currently witnessing.
“As an industry we should be doing everything in our power to convince and assist clients not to cancel travel incentives, meetings and events”, he said. “Instead encourage a wait-and-see attitude, work with suppliers and partners to honour deposits paid for use on future dates, check future avaiblility and work on moving programmes and events to six or nine months from now. Help gain commitment for future dates.
“My message to the MICE industry - whether you are the hotel, supplier, event planner, end client or the DMC providing the programme - is to communicate with your clients. Sell the benefits of travelling at a later stage, focus on the positives, offer more time to plan and more time to research and make programmes better.
“Why not highlight the fact that buyers will soon have tremendous buying power if they are willing to commit to future operations? Discounts will be found everywhere instead of incurring cancellations fees that in reality are a lose-lose situation.
“Our mindset should be one of how do we make our programmes happen, rather than just accepting cancellations, never to be seen again.”
He also outlined the following points:
1. The damage is done. If your region/sector hasn’t been affected yet, it is highly likely that in the coming weeks and possibly months it most probably will be in some form or another. It is highly unlikely that any country, city or industry will not be affected by the fallout from the virus.
2. Corporate clients and event planners have no choice but to exercise caution and a duty of care, therefore any decisions relating to travel or large-scale events will be handled with the utmost conservatism.
3. The situation is temporary. The virus will not last forever. A vaccination will eventually be found and/or the spread will be contained eventually. The unknown at this stage is how long that will take or when it will be: it could be a few weeks or months.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
