PAGE CHEF’S GLOBAL STRAP PROFILE PERPECTIVE
What meeting planners are looking for Meeting and event planners, like most of the business events industry, are facing many challenges during the ongoing pandemic that does not seem to have an immediate end.
Challenges • Running safe events for their attendees. • Navigating the variations in travel and safety regulations from country to country, from region to region and from city to city. • Having to change plans at short notice from live events to hybrid, virtual, postponements or cancellations. • Cost containment, considering the additional costs of safety protocols, technology and meeting space. • Looking at ways to monetise virtual and hybrid events and diversifying revenue streams. • How to mitigate against risk and becoming more agile to respond to 18 Business Events Africa April 2022
ever-changing circumstances. • Negotiating more flexible agreements with the supply chain. • How to plan ahead and become more sustainable during a period of prolonged border closures and unpredictable lockdowns. • How to restore confidence in travel and mass gatherings. • Dealing with a supply chain that has been dramatically disrupted. • Adapting to a new digital age. • Competing against a number of tech companies that are investing in event management systems. • Corporations have a duty of care to their employees, resulting in more stringent travel and safety procedures.
According to the PCMA APAC COVID_19 Survey 2021, the two key areas of concern relate to safety and local support. They want to know that destinations have the right measures in place to contain the virus and to keep visitors safe. They are also looking for support and advice from DMOs (destination marketing organisations) and CVBs (Convention and Visitors Bureaus or tourism bureaus) to minimise risk and to organise safe and successful events. As they plan ahead, meeting and event planners are looking to partner with destinations and suppliers to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. They are in search of innovative ideas and www.businesseventsafrica.com
