BUSINESS EVENTS: Back to the Old Normal

Welcome to Issue #116 of Business Events World from The Iceberg presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – the issue where the research finally confirms a return to pre-pandemic levels, and growth. So much for the New Normal – unless Mpox Clade 1b has its way.

But while much of the industry returns from its summer sojourn, many of us must be reflecting – in between the cricket, of course – on the evolving soap opera of electoral events in the United States that is the race to the White House. To outsiders, while Paris laid on the classiest of Olympics, nothing can compare to the resurgence of a seemingly lost cause on the part of Democrats after the attempted assassination of former President Trump had seemingly condemned any hope of a two-horse race. Biden’s withdrawal, and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, has changed all that.

The power of events.

In Features, from the IMEX Policy Forum, Padraic Gilligan and Martin Sirk combine efforts to overcome the pitfalls of democracy – how electoral cycles lead to short term decision-making in relation to industry investments – and Australian Business Events Association chair, Peter King & Co, reveal the blueprint for more effective advocacy. Yap Chin Siang, Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s Deputy CEO invites event organisers and planners to co-create business events that yield meaningful outcomes and, as Martin Sirk (yes, him again!) confirms, the growth of intellectual capital. AMI shares Ellie Evans on the International Society on Thrombosis & Haemostasis (ISTH) doubling the frequency of its congress, BestCities Global Alliance shares its member commitment to SDG11 – fostering safe, resilient, and sustainable cities through impactful events, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the associated SDG Target Objectives – and cites the DIY Global Summit, Tokyo’s Resilience Project, and Vancouver’s Climate Action Plan as examples of SDG11 support and strategies.

In News, if supporters of business and professional events needed reminding that advocacy is never a one-and-done, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, joins local government executives and elected officials in Takina Convention Centre, Wellington, at the Local Government New Zealand Conference, branding the venue a white elephant and example of wasteful city vanity projects. Barcelona Convention Bureau invades London in partnership with ASSOCIATION WORLD, bringing with them popular TED speaker, Paul Rulkens, to address the future and resilience of associations with tips on ‘strategic quitting’ and avoidance of the ‘Valley of Death!’. The Washington Post and BBC combine to scare and relieve over the outbreak of Mpox Clade1b – surely not a return to the New Normal?! Geoff Donaghy – the icon – retires. Club Melbourne celebrate their Ambassadors. TSNN reports on the global trade show industry return to double-digit growth, citing the 33rd edition of the UFI Barometer Report – also in Research. As if to emphasize the point, Kuala Lumpur host record-breaking insurance congress and Orlando hosts another attendance-shattering Plastics Show.

In Case Studies, ACS Global Management executive director reveals the legacy of the first Africa-hosted International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA) congress in Cape Town and the management of pathways and access to care for patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. And as ABC News reveals news of 100% protection against HIV infection is now a reality, Melbourne celebrates the 10th anniversary of hosting AIDS 2014 on the pathway to protection.

In Research, not usually the most significant section, the Northstar/Cvent PULSE Survey and the UFI Global Exhibition Barometer report confirm the return of the demand for and delivery of in-person events. The New Normal is officially dead – see main picture.

In Opinions, the role of FIEXPO as a platform for industry development is shared by founder Arnaldo Nardone and MICE Consulting’s Santiago Gonzales as the annual event continues to catalyse change in partnership with #MEET4IMPACT and GDS-Movement while Talley Management’s Ksenija Polla is on hand to drive support for the Next Generation Summit. Guy Bigwood, chief changemaker at the GDS-Movement in conversation with Nicholas Hall of the Digital Tourism Thinktank shares his outrage and optimism at the varying degrees of sustainable destination and event strategies. Was he baring his teeth? Well worth a listen! Meanwhile UFI’s CEO, Kai Hattendorf, and others reflect on the Paris Olympic Games – proof that a slow start is better than a damp finish!

Also in Opinions, ABEA’s Melissa Brown builds on The Iceberg report featuring Peter King & Co. Nature Journal asks if hybrid conferences should be the norm – and why, while Jane Cunningham rallies the IMPACT troops at IMEX featuring leading voices including Ciara Gallagher (Meet in Ireland), Tracy Bury (Operandi Consulting), Rich Reasons (Simpleview), and Lyn Lewis-Smith (Business Events Sydney). IAEE’s chair, Marie Browne, shares her perspective on how organisations can better collaborate to advance the trade show industry, and finally James Lancaster and Paul Harvey enter the Meeting Room for a fireside chat regarding the antiturista movement amid overtourism.

These and the best of the best publications, newsletters, features, research, case studies and opinions as the Silly Season approaches and we, once again, enter the echo-chambers of the industry. More of this, and more in #117.

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