Why can't we open?
That's the question the Project Confidence campaign is urging event professionals to ask as conferences and meetings start to come back across Europe, while UK doors remain closed.
In a message to followers, the campaign leaders said: "The UK Event Industry is being left behind. Doors are opening in Europe while ours remain closed.
"Organisers, Venues and Suppliers have proven we are able to be COVID secure and are NOW ready.
"Why can’t we OPEN?"
Project Confidence is a cross association initiative spearheaded by the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the Association of Event Venues (AEV) and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA).
The campaign also urged event professionals to share the following messages their on social media networks on Thursday 8 October at 10 am:
Twitter text:
COVID-safe events have taken place successfully across Europe:
MICE event @HeaventMeetings
Caravan Salon Show @MD_GmbH
@IEGexpo's Grand Lodge 2020 meeting
... and more.
The UK events industry is being left behind.
@BorisJohnson we need support!
#ProjectRecovery
LinkedIn text:
COVID-safe events have taken place successfully across Europe:
MICE event Heavent Meetings
Caravan Salon Show Messe Düsseldorf GmbH
Italian Exhibition Group Spa’s Grand Lodge 2020 meeting
... and more.
The UK events industry is being left behind.
Boris Johnson we need support!
#ProjectRecovery
In other news, the AEO Council has officially elected Simon Parker, executive vice president of Informa Markets, as the next AEO chair.
The election, which took place at the AEO Council meeting held on 23rd September via video conference call, also sees Carina Bauer, chief executive officer of IMEX Group, become vice chair. Former chair, Darren Johnson will now assume the role of past chair for the forthcoming year.
Parker said: “It’s an honour to step into such a crucial role at such an important time and I’m looking forward to working closely with the AEO and some of the most competent and talented event professionals the industry has to offer, as we see this crisis through to the other side.”
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.
