The Events Industry Board is urging the government to extend the furlough scheme further to aid the longer term recovery of the industry.
Board members are pushing the government to provide help for the industry’s smaller businesses that are struggling to access government programmes.
At the latest meeting, more recognition was also sought for the industry in the recovery planning process and participating in the development of specific guidance for the events industry. Concerns were also expressed about the financial viability of reopening with social distancing measures in place.
Members raised the issue that consumer confidence is low - in terms of organising future events and sentiments about attending events. Members said clear government messaging was needed to state when organised events could resume and to reassure the public and consumers that organised gatherings were safe to attend. Members said that without a start date and government reassurance, the UK risked losing its market share to international destinations.
Recommendations were made for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to pursue an ambitious Spending Review proposal that could better support the UK events industry to compete internationally. This should include key officials and ministers raising the profile of the industry across government, including with relevant other government departments, which would enable improved coordination (e.g. Department for International Trade, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy).
The board also suggested that the government consider which government-led events it can organise as a way to encourage event activity to begin and lead the way for other industry-led events to begin to be organised. It also asked for domestic, as well as international markets, to be considered when developing any potential support packages, including the potential for a fund to help destination management organisations and convention bureaux sell in-market.
Michael Hirst, chair of the Events Industry Board, said: “This was another productive meeting of the board with department officials. Members were able to put forward constructive perspectives on what additional immediate support was needed and what measures need to be put in place for the longer term recovery of the industry”.
Attendees at the meeting included: Michael Hirst (chair); Paul Bush (Visit Scotland); Claire Fennelow (EVCOM); Tracy Halliwell (London & Partners); Rob Holt (Visit Wales); Simon Hughes (Independent); Susan Jacques (DIT, observer); Jennifer Jenkins (Independent); Kerrin MacPhie (VisitBritain); David Martin (DCMS); Kate Nicholls (UK Hospitality); Sheila Pardoe (DCMS); Mike Rusbridge (Independent); Chris Skeith (AEO); Giles Smith (DCMS); Naomi Waite (Northern Ireland Tourist Board); Nick Brooks-Sykes (Marketing Manchester) and Paul Szomoru (Newcastle Gateshead Initiative).
The Events Industry Board has been set up to help grow the business events industry across the UK, and to act as a sounding board for Government on the best way to achieve this.
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.
