US distribution of the vaccine in the weeks that followed initial rollout was anything but smooth, with vaccine shortages around the world, confusion around US distribution plans that vary state by state and challenges with registration systems. Those frustrating realities dampened the hopes of participants (491 planners and 219 suppliers) in this latest survey, conducted…
According to the COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard conducted between December 14th and 17th, eleven percent more suppliers and planners checked off “hopeful” when asked how they were feeling, nearly half of suppliers (49 percent) and 54 percent of planners. Planners in particular have come a long way since October when the were first asked to share…
The Dutch government is to expand its support package for jobs and the economy with a raft of measures including plans for a €300 million guarantee fund for events. While vaccinations are underway in the Netherlands, businesses continue to suffer during the economic crisis with the country in lockdown. From Conference & Meetings World…
An “ambitious” plan to create a carbon reduction target for the business events sector has been presented, with the intention of launching during COP26. Positive Impact Events, an Iceberg partner, is hoping to raise £30,000 for the project, to be delivered under UN Framework Convention on Climate Change auspices. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Iceberg partner AIME (Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event) has cancelled its 2021 show, scheduled to run at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and online in March, due to the pandemic. The challenges of both domestic and international travel restrictions weighed against healthy interest from exhibitors and buyers. From Meetings International…
The Scottish government is to provide further funding for its events industry as part of a new £104.3 million package split into nine separate funds. These include a Pivotal Event Businesses Fund and wider Event Industry Support Fund. Businesses can apply even if they have drawn on previous funding. From Conference & Meetings World…
PCMA’s Convening Leaders has been held as a global showcase of business events. Houston in Texas had initially been chosen to host, but the pandemic meant that PCMA connected delegates mainly via the Marina Bay Sands Global Broadcast Center in Singapore. The content was constructed around “Recovery Discovery”. From Conference & Meetings World…
Two of Copenhagen’s largest event venues, Bella Center Copenhagen and Øksnehallen, have opened as vaccination centres. The pair make up two of five major vaccination centres in the Copenhagen City Region. Both venues also acted as COVID-19 test facilities and Bella Center still offers drive-in tests with no prior booking required. From Conference & Meetings World…
A roadmap to merge the Events Industry Council with the Joint Meetings Industry Council (which presents The Iceberg) was finalised in December with both optimistic it would get ratified. JMIC members gave the plans unanimous support, but the deal is no longer on, albeit with the door still apparently left ajar. From Association Meetings International…
The events industry is worth £70 billion annually to the UK economy in terms of visitor spend, over half of all tourism expenditure. £165 billion further of trade is transacted during business events. The Chief Executive of ICC Wales, Ian Edwards, profiles the UK business events industry’s current state of play. From Celtic Manor…
Gregg Talley, President and CEO of Iceberg partner Talley Management Group, believes Africa’s attraction as a business event destination should remain clear-cut after the pandemic. The continent is still “an incubator for innovation and an incredible cultural experience that connects us all to the cradle of humanity”. From Conference & Meetings World…
To prevent catastrophic warming, humanity must get its act together. More and more industry sectors are committing to carbon reduction, but what about the agencies, PCOs and commercial event producers? Fiona Pelham, the CEO of Iceberg partner Positive Impact Events, feels a voice at the table is crucial. From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
Incentive travel has a vital part to play in the legacy agenda. Graham Alderman, Owner and Managing Director of Ulterior Events, talks to journalist Holly Patrick about the changing landscape of the sector, why virtual incentives aren’t feasible long-term and also about the need to leave positive, lasting legacies. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
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