EDITOR’S COMMENT
Credit: Hein Liebetrau
Re-imagining the new world The world has certainly changed. This much we can all agree on.
A
s I sit in my office, there is something comforting at the moment in this new world, as people refer to our current existence. It is the fact that for the first time in a long time, we can start to reimagine life as we knew it, with some resemblance to the old world. Is it me or are you also just tired and want to continue living and enjoying face-to-face interactions, even if it means being in a mask and using copious amounts of sanitiser on a daily basis? As soon as my kids could go back to school I sent them – why? Sure, online schooling was certainly demanding on us parents, but more so, I didn’t want my kids to be afraid of ‘living’ and interacting with others. These social skills and the need for human interaction is vital in my opinion. This is why no matter how many zoom meetings you have or even virtual events and exhibitions you attend – I’m sorry it will never replace the currency of meeting face-to-face. Sure, I understand there are many people who will be scared for a while to go out to an event or an exhibition,
but I still think majority will want that face-to-face interaction. Business networking is not the same when you are meeting via a virtual interaction. Sure, the need for this virtual platform will stay but as I said earlier – it will not replace. Last month, I attended my first networking event since lockdown. EXSA invited its members to a very informal networking event at a coffee shop. It was so wonderful to reconnect with people I knew and make new connections, which is what it is all about. I think there was a sense of relief in some ways and honestly it gave me a taste of some form of normality. I’m so ready to get out to a physical conference, exhibition and event. Therefore, I have no doubt that the business events sector will thrive again once government increases the numbers allowed to ‘gather’. The current 250 maximum inside and 500 maximum outside is a start for conferencing and events but really is not viable for an exhibition. The fact that we are seen as ‘gatherings’ seems to be our biggest downfall. What I still don’t understand is how government
can’t comprehend the fact that we are not just ‘gatherings’ but are a highly regulated sector and any conferences, exhibitions, incentives or events that happen, happen in a highly controlled environment; so much more than your local shopping mall. Another hindrance is the latest international destination list of countries not allowed into our country. Several of the ‘no-go’ destinations on that list are lower risk than some of the countries that have been given the green light. Some of the ‘no-go’ destinations are from our primary source markets. Occasionally things just don’t make sense but that is a topic for another time. In conclusion, our sector is Covid-19 ready and waiting; all we need is the go ahead from government to make it happen!
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
