Meetings Professionals International (MPI) has said it will suspend business with any company in Russia with immediate effect and pause ‘any plans to formalize a chapter in Russia’.
In a statement, the Dallas, Texas-based association said it was taking the steps as an ‘act of support for the people of Ukraine’ and ‘condemned the acts of aggression from Russian forces.’
MPI stopped short of suspended existing members from the association.
The statement went on: “MPI is disheartened that an action like this is necessary, yet understands it is critical to ensure these violent acts are met with responsible action to help lead towards a peaceful resolution. We remain concerned for the well-being of our community and our MPI members in Russia and Ukraine who were already seeking to climb out of the shadow of this pandemic and are now experiencing these unprecedented challenges.”
Elsewhere Chicago-based PCMA, the professional convention management association, issued a statement decrying the ‘unprovoked and unjustified’ attacks on the people of Ukraine.
In a powerfully worded statement, the association said: “We stand united against war and acts of evil against innocent civilians. We support people that believe in and live in a peaceful society. Our prayers are with all who are grieving, and it is our hope that peace will prevail quickly.”
The forthright statements by MPI and PCMA stand in marked contrast to those already issued by other meeting industry bodies, notably UFI and ICCA, which struck a more diplomatic tone.
Note:
A message from Tom Kemp, CEO of Northstar Travel Group, publishers of this title.
“Travel connects us, war divides us. Northstar strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expresses its support of Ukraine in defence of their sovereign democracy. We stand with other businesses in the travel industry by not engaging in any business with Russian-owned companies until the war in Ukraine is resolved peacefully and the sovereignty of a free Ukraine is ensured."
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
