Skills, equity and sustainability are becoming greater priorities
for planners, according to The Business of Events’ recent 2023
International Planner Sentiment Report.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey caught up with Martin Fullard,
director of news and content at The Business of Events, to get a deeper dive on
the report – and the general state of the sector.
On sustainability:
“I
think it's interesting and perhaps predictable that sustainability's tracking 1.5
points higher across all regions than it was in 2022, although it perhaps has
remained lower in the North American market. Evidence suggests that they are
beginning to take it more seriously, but certainly in the UK and Europe,
sustainability is even higher up the agenda as a priority.”
On diversity:
“The pandemic certainly has given us the opportunity to
really shine a microscope on things such as diversity, and we're now starting
to see tangible differences in the workplace. Now, I'm sure if you speak to a
whole range of different people, everyone will say that there’s still a way to
go. And there's no finish line here; it's about incremental cultural change.”
On the next general election:
“No prospective party is going to be promising the world in
terms of spending - but that's not something our industry's even asking for. It's
a simple case of recognition - of asking for things such as ministerial support
for inbound events for major shows, major conferences, having government
departments more actively involved. This industry, give it a pound and it will
give the government £5 back. We just need any prospective government to know
that; Conservative, Labour or whoever.”
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.
