Good HR practice within the meetings and events industry – navigating today’s challenges
Next in our series of guest editors, we'd like to introduce HR expert Kate Goodman, a member of the CIPD and a Mental Health First...
The evolution of events
This Monday’s Insights (8th August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including mia chief exec Kerrin MacPhie’s views on the rising rate of event evolution.
Headlines
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association (mia), has shared her views with Conference News on the rising rate of event evolution.
In a new blog last week, Kerrin explained: “When it comes to the evolution of events, no period has been more prominent than the last 30 months. Whether due to external forces shaking up the sector’s framework or disrupted capabilities inspiring innovation, our infamously fast-paced sector has shifted up a new gear to truly push the boundaries. Now is not the time for the sector to rest on its laurels. Events are still evolving today, at a pace faster than ever before.”
The blog covers Kerrin’s views on everything from the Metaverse, net zero and hybrid event solutions to recruitment and demonstrating the industry’s strength through data.
Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO, EDGE Venues has shared her latest opinion piece, focusing on the industry’s readiness for recession.
The IMEX Group is set to remodel the professional learning programmes delivered at both of its global trade shows with the appointment of Tahira Endean as Head of Programme.
Vancouver-based Tahira’s new role signals a new era for IMEX. A three-year education strategy will capitalise on IMEX’s free-to-attend programming to meet the industry’s thirst for knowledge and continuous development while embracing a growth mindset.
The IMEX education programme was envisioned and developed in 2005 by Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director. It has grown in size and quality over the last 15 years, adding substantial value to the visitor experience. Tahira’s addition to the team will build on that legacy. She’ll work with both the IMEX Marcomms and Knowledge and Education teams to design learning programmes that enrich the show’s value proposition and deliver measurable business benefits.
Tahira explains: “We’re focused on designing learning with buyer requirements in mind first and foremost as we want them to have meetings that are enhanced by education at the show. Our combined aim is for attendees to leave each session with tangible takeaways that also support their meetings onsite. IMEX’s legacy of tailored education that meets the particular needs of agencies, associations and corporate event professionals has always been strong; we’re looking to build on that too.”
“As a veteran of the MICE industry and self-confessed event nerd, I recognise IMEX as the professional home for our global industry. The opportunity to provide knowledge that helps us all develop and grow through turbulent times is important and to do it with a team as committed, passionate and talented as IMEX is really exciting.”
The West Midlands has outlined its ambitions to bring more international sporting events to the region. According to Access All Areas, over 250 delegates from governing bodies, global associations and professional sporting organisations came together for a sports economy day at the University of Birmingham’s Exchange building.
Officials from federations including World Athletics, the International Boxing Association and the International Extreme Sports Festival heard from speakers including Commonwealth Games minister Nigel Huddleston MP (pictured), leader of Birmingham City Council Ian Ward and Trudy Lindsdale, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Themes at the day included:
- Building sustainable sporting facilities
- Innovative fan engagement
- Sports events legacy
- Strengthening and enduring international relationships
Read more on Access All Areas, including details of the The West Midlands Major Events Delivery Plan, led by the Business and Tourism Programme, (BATP).
IACC’s latest Meeting Room of the Future barometer is a mixed bag of positivity and caution as the international meeting venue recovery continues. According to Meetings and Incentive Travel, Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC said:
“The start of 2022 has shown some excellent progress in recovery however, there are still some key areas where venues need support, particularly in staffing. IACC will support its members and community over the next year, by providing important personal and professional development opportunities as the industry continues to repair the skills and knowledge shortfall that exist.”
Read the full M&IT feature here, which includes a link to the full report from the IACC.
Double Take
In a new episode of the Event Industry News Podcast, Dawn Lauder – head of international conferences at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) – digs into her learnings from COP26.
Dawn talks host James Dickson through the ‘corona-coaster’, the prestige of hosting COP26 despite the tension wrought by Covid-19 in the run-up, the sense of team it fostered, the “off the charts” media coverage, maintaining that sense of purpose, why it’s worth reading the subsequent Sustainability Report, how hosting the summit has influenced Dawn Lauder’s manifesto for change and much more.
