A year-long
project to understand the underlying trends that will shape the future of the
business events industry has been launched by a leading advocacy group.
The Events
Industry Council (EIC), based in Washington, DC, said its study would culminate
in a Futures Landscape Report, set to be released in the final quarter of 2024.
“Through the
collaborative effort of our members and partners, EIC is excited to lead this
initiative with the priceless contributions of our diverse ecosystem. The final
deliverable will be a valuable resource in support of our global workforce,”
said EIC president CEO Amy Calvert.
“While we
recognise that our industry will continue to face disruptive forces, we believe
this unified effort will equip us to be prepared for the activities that will
shape society and business events in the years to come.”
The study
will touch on topics including, but not limited to, political and geopolitical
issues, economic trends, technology, safety and security, and environmental
impact.
The project
is supported by EIC’s APEX Critical Issues Working Group, led by Mike
Dominguez, president and CEO of ALHI, and industry leaders representing all key
sectors.
The
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), a member of the
EIC, said it was lending its support to the scheme.
President
and CEO Marsha Flanagan said: “The ability to see the disruptors that will most
affect our industry in time to understand, learn and apply them to our greatest
advantage optimizes our potential for progress and overall growth.”
The announcement comes on the heels of the recent EIC Board
and Leadership Council Meeting in Toronto, where industry leaders engaged in a
full-day workshop led by Gaining Edge, a consultancy specialising in the
business events industry. EIC’s council consists of delegates from each of
EIC’s 55 association and corporate members.
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.
