Non-alcoholic drinks at events, ABPCO new board members, The Meetings Show, & more

This Monday’s Insights (26 June 2023) feature brings you the latest news including Non-alcoholic drinks at events, ABPCO new board members, The Meetings Show, and more.

Headlines

Non-alcoholic drinks at events – have your say

Cameron Roberts, editor of Conference News, has launched a new survey that aims to delve into how events organisers are catering for the increasing number of delegates that are choosing not to drink.

As part of a feature to launch the survey into non-alcoholic drinks at events, Roberts writes in Conference News: “For as long as I can remember alcohol at events has been the norm, with many a delegate and organisers alike unwinding with a beer or wine in hand. But over the last year or so, the number of people who don’t drink, or who choose to not drink, has become more visible to me.

Read more about the reasoning behind the new research and have your say via the survey link in the Conference News feature.

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has confirmed the appointment of six industry figures to its executive board.

Announced during its virtual AGM attended by more than 50 members, the new board members introduced are:
Madalina Marincas – Opening Doors and Venues
Katie Bolton – MCI UK
Sarvjit Wunsch – Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Sammy Connell – NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
Sarah Vaughan – The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys
Kate Sargent – Bioscientifica Ltd

The AGM also shared the outline of ABPCO’s plans for the upcoming year including significant opportunities for growth.

Heather Lishman, ABPCO’s association director, said: “As these dedicated individuals join ABPCO’s executive board, the association looks ahead to another successful year, driven by the passion of our members. We look forward to capitalising on past achievements and embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation, and professional development.”

The Tourism Alliance has confirmed that Susan Tanner, CEO of the National Outdoor Events Association and UKEVENTS Vice Chair, has joined its 2023/24 board as the UKEVENTS representative.

Tanner takes the place of Michael Hirst OBE, UKEVENTS’ Immediate Past Chair, who has sat on the board since 2013.

The Tourism Alliance is an umbrella organisation representing the collective interests of the tourism industry and visitor economy in the UK.

UKEVENTS, itself an umbrella organisation, plays a crucial role in advocating and promoting the value of the events industry within the broader tourism sector. It brings together various stakeholders, including trade associations, event organisers, venues, and destination management organisations, to collaborate and work towards a common goal of supporting and growing the sector.

Outlining the role of the events industry in the wider visitor economy, Tanner said: “Naturally, I am delighted to be appointed to the Tourism Alliance Board for 2023/24. Approximately 50% of the tourism and visitor economy can be attributed to events, according to the UK Events Report of 2019. It’s a crucial component, not just from a fiscal point of view, but in the positioning of ‘Brand Britain’ as a whole; everything from Glastonbury and agricultural shows to the Coronation of King Charles III to The Ashes.

“Owing to the vast contributions made by events to the hospitality, tourism, and creative industries, it is important that we use the strong collective voice of the Tourism Alliance to ensure our sector is fairly represented and that our challenges are heard.”

The Meetings Show is nearly upon us

In a bid to share the benefits of the industry event, which takes place at ExCeL London on 28-29 June, Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine (M&IT) has shared ’10 reasons to attend The Meetings Show 2023′.

From pre-show experiences to learning with a difference, and lots more, check out the highlights planned for this year’s show