The Meet Safe, Meet Smart campaign places consumer confidence and venue safety protocol at the heart of restarting the industry.
The #MSMS campaign will showcase the safety features of meetings with hotels and venues having updated their protocols to be Covid secure. It will also highlight the flexibility of contractual terms and conditions at all venues involved.
The campaign aims to provide facts, drive confidence and highlight that booking these venues offers delegates tangible assurances.
Juliet Price, consultant executive director of HBAA, said: “It is clear that there is still a lack of confidence among event planners wanting to commit to future live meetings and events. This campaign is to provide assurances and outline how HBAA venue members provide safe and smart establishments to deliver experiences and ensure we continue on the road to recovery.
“‘Meet Safe, Meet Smart’ aims to deliver on both fronts and drive confidence while demonstrating why people want to meet – and should meet – shoulder to shoulder – in line with the prescribed measures.
“There are many reasons why meeting in person is absolutely essential, from productivity to creativity, to positive mental health. However, we completely appreciate and acknowledge that that we must follow the government guidelines which are subject to change.
“Our industry must continue to unite to build customer confidence in resuming booking and attending live business meetings and events.”
Michael Begley, CEO of venuedirectory.com added: “17th May 2021 is a landmark day for the UK as a country as hospitality gets back into full swing. Meetings and Events are a vital part of our economy and meeting up with colleagues at business events can be a huge boost for mental wellbeing. The HBAA Meet Safe Meet Smart initiative is one that we can all get behind; safe venues to meet at with flexible terms and conditions - let's get meetings started.”
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.
