EDITOR’S COMMENT

Anything is possible with the correct attitude

CHANGE has been our industry’s constant over the past few years. We have learnt to adapt to new environments. We have had to learn new skills and the hardest lesson; we have had to learn to accept things that are out of our control. However, the positive that came from this, is we have also learnt to be more grateful and appreciative of the small things.

As the year comes to a rapid end, I am grateful for my family, who are my anchors and give me much needed balance; I am thankful and grateful for my team at Contact Publications, thank you for all you do and for making my load a little lighter. Of course, I am abundantly grateful and thankful for the industry I am in and its dynamic, amazing people and the lifelong relationships and friendships I have made.

The year has been long and hard, I don’t know how everyone is feeling, but frankly, I’m exhausted and looking forward to some rest and relaxation over December.

Every year that goes by I am more and more in awe of the industry and how we just get on with it and make things happen — mostly exceeding expectations. The industry leaders, the trade associations, organisers, suppliers and venues, need to take a big bow. Well done for persevering in what can only be described as a year filled with many new lessons.

Being open to new things, is probably what kept us all going, also learning from each other through collaboration.

When I think of the business events industry, I think of resilient, hardworking people with grit, and ready for the next challenge. The people that are in our industry are generally positive people and that positivity is infectious. Anything is possible with that kind of attitude.

What will the coming year be like? No one can really predict, but certainly, our industry leaders have a better perspective than most.

In this edition, as in every other December edition of BEA, we have asked industry leaders to offer us their views on the coming year. The predictions are very positive and offer very insightful views on what they are expecting of 2023.

From what I have gathered, 2023 will be a better year than 2022. The business events industry will see an increase of more congresses, exhibitions, events and incentives. Budgets and delegate numbers will continue to be smaller, and the hybrid model will continue to play its part, especially as sustainability takes a more prevalent role in 2023. However, in-person is definitely the way forward, as it has been proven to be more fruitful in forging long term relationships and is often the start of some form of collaboration.

As I say goodbye to 2022, I look forward to 2023 with much hope.

From the Contact Publications team and I, we would like to thank you for all your support over this challenging year and wish you much more prosperity, peace, hope and certainty in the new year!

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com