Insight: Issue 77 (2 Feb)

Dry January – get in the bin.

The fine (if a touch windy) month of February is upon us, and we’ve got a stramash of sparkling events news to warm the cockles of Event Profs everywhere. Coming up this week:

International flight restrictions eased in Scotland; we’re up and running at the NEC Birmingham as 20,000 visitors attend the National Running Show; Much like a real hangover, the Covid hangover will endure for years to come; Scottish entrepreneurs connect with the US for a virtual mission; and sustainability continues to be on the agenda with an exclusive 5 year partnership between Green Tourism and the Meetings Industry Association. Pop that prosecco open Event Profs, let’s get on the Event News Groovy Train…..

Can you fly Bobby?

More positive news on the pandemic front, as international flight restrictions are eased in Scotland, with testing no longer a requirement for all adults who are fully vaccinated. Travellers will still need to fill in (the ever tedious) passenger locator forms and face coverings will still be required at Scottish airports in line with wider health advice, but all things considered these are small prices to pay as international travel continues to significantly open up.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said:

“The measures will be extremely welcome for the Scottish tourism and aviation sectors, encouraging travel from our airports.

“While this is a positive step which will be welcomed by many we believe further surveillance measures will be necessary across all nations – as intelligence will help in terms of variants of concern. It was agreed further work to take this forward will be carried out over the coming weeks.”

In person events – up and running

In a triumph for the NEC Birmingham, and a boost for all of us who long for the regular return of in-person events, 20,000 visitors attended the National Running Show on 22/23 January, with special guests and running heroes lining up to speak, including Kadeena Cox, Derek Redmond, Jenni Falconer, Carla Molinaro, Damian Hall and Sean Conway.

Jonnie Peacock MBE said on the event,”Seeing so many runners come together was amazing. The event showcased some of the biggest talents in the running world and gave unprecedented access to industry experts to help runners of all abilities improve. It was a pleasure to be a part of the show and I would encourage everyone to head to Farnborough in May for the next event.”

Team Cameron are delighted to see an event at this scale taking place again in the UK, here’s hoping we’re at the starting line for a great year for in-person events (sorry).

The Covid Hangover

Of course, all of our 2022 optimism must be tempered with a sprinkling of realism. AV Magazine has reported that the Covid hangover for Live Events will last for years, after research from #WeMakeEvents and PLASA. With the live events industry having taken such a heavy hit over the past 22 months, and entertainment events and conferences postponed or even cancelled as a result of lockdowns and Covid restrictions, the long road to full recovery is bound to have a few bumps in it yet.

Post-pandemic pressure on event lead times, budgets and staff availability will pose a challenge to venues and production companies for some time to come. Short notice event deadlines are now more frequent, with late requests for Hybrid Events meaning further delays and plenty of hard work and long hours for Event Profs.

Eimear O’Brien, marketing manager at Protec EMEA, says: “The best we can do, rather than turn them down, is try and find a proposition that fits within their budget, and just manage those expectations as best we can.”

This might also be a nice time for a gratuitous plug….if you do have an event in mind (virtual, hybrid or even in-person), our mighty team of Cameron Event Profs can turn it round quicksmart. Give us a shout and we’ll make it happen, or visit our Virtual & Hybrid Events page for more lovely info. And on we go…..

US connections for Scotland’s female entrepreneurs via virtual mission

Some of Scotland’s most ambitious female entrepreneurs will be introduced to tech business figures and angel investors in the US, including a former adviser to Steve Jobs, via a virtual trade mission next month.

The mission is designed to provide a springboard to growth by sharing current market information, business insights and opening doors to new connections.

The event, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, takes place from 7 – 9 February, with Scottish business founders attending including former AccelerateHER Awards winners Sheila Hogan, founder of Biscuit Tin; Kate Cameron (Cytochroma); Fiona Gillies and Christine Hartland (SMASH); Rachel Jones (Snap Dragon); Monika Tomecka (uFraction8); Rebecca Goss (xgenix); Ash Penley (Zoex Power).

A fantastic opportunity for all involved, and hugely impressive to see so many female Scottish entrepreneurs make their mark globally.

Driving the Sustainability agenda

Sustainability is more important than ever, and has never been higher in public awareness following the COP26 climate change summit in Scotland last year. So it’s a hugely positive step to see Green Tourism and the Meetings Industry Association (mia) securing an exclusive five-year partnership to drive standards for sustainable business meetings and events.

The criteria, which focuses on people, places and the planet, will allow mia members to easily identify and measure sustainable practices as well as access invaluable sector guidance.

Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the mia, said: “We are moving into a new era of business meetings and events. Covid-19 has been a catalyst in focussing the industry on what is important, and sustainability will play a vital role in supporting the sector’s road to recovery.”

That’s all for this week folks….Fancy a pint?