Please read below a Year End message from Chris Skeith OBE, UKEVENTS Chair.
Dear Partners,
My first twelve months as your Chair has been rather like a roller coaster starting on the up incline but certainly finishing with considerable momentum.
This time last year restrictions, imposed by the Government’s COVID Plan B, were unclear at best, resulting in yet more event postponements as we returned in January, despite our hopes were for a rapid return of events. Initially confidence was in short supply as was the state of our supply chains. The start of the Ukraine war also added to the overall business uncertainty.
Nevertheless the demand to get back to live and in-person events was overwhelming and by the Summer the release of pent-up demand meant a strong return to volume attendances. However revenues continued to trail 2019 levels, we were hampered in recruiting and retaining our talent, and increased cost pressures began to overwhelm many.
Many of these factors, not least energy costs and industrial action, will continue to play a part in the Industry’s recovery throughout 2023.
For the Partnership the past year has also reflected the need to accelerate change to focus on the Industry’s emerging role in the recovery of the UK economy.
We carried out a survey of Partners’ views of our strengths and priorities, which led to the creation of a new strategy and business plan, alongside incredible engagement with the Partnership’s Working Groups, covering;
- Advocacy & Government Relations;
- Business Events;
- Outdoor Events;
- Skills, Talent & Diversity;
- Research & Business Intelligence.
Each of these Groups has set clear objectives. My thanks to all those who have volunteered to take a lead and to be part of the Working Groups.
It was also decided to restate the mission and objectives of the Partnership and adopt a new brand to represent our mission of being the recognised and collective voice of the UK’s world leading Events Industry representing every part of our diverse, creative and dynamic Industry, across the whole of the UK, championing the economic, societal and transformation value of events.
UKEVENTS now exists to support the work of its Partners to help create a strong, growing and sustainable events industry in the UK, covering its many diverse and individual sectors of meetings, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, incentive travel, event hospitality, ceremonies, sporting, cultural, outdoor and festivals as well as the services provided by the wider supply chain.
We continue to provide a cohesive voice to Government Departments about the importance of the Industry in driving international trade, exports and inward investment and in creating community cohesion, social well-being and prosperity to destinations across the UK.
We have increased our focus on advancing professionalism, skills and talent, diversity and inclusivity. This now also includes oversight of the Events Apprenticeship Programme.
Through our Partners, we have promoted the use of common SIC codes to enable the Industry to build greater statistical recognition of its activities. We have initiated a quarterly Confidence Barometer to gauge business and confidence trends across the Industry’s key sectors.
We continue to facilitate the sharing of information amongst Partners. This has helped immensely in understanding common challenges, especially in seeking a more sustainable Industry through the adoption of common programmes.
Looking forward to 2023 we will continue to develop the initiatives set out in our Strategic Plan of Work and develop a set of policy objectives focused around the importance of the Industry to the Government’s growth agenda, including the Industry’s contribution to green growth, innovation and creativity, brining prosperity to communities across the UK.
The importance of evidence and data about our Industry can-not be understated to underpin our pleas for recognition and support. In 2023, we will also start work on preparing for a new UK Events Report setting out the value and volume of the industry and highlighting trends, opportunities and continuing challenges.
Our Partnership, its outputs and successes are an amazing testimony to the enthusiasm and commitment of our Partner representatives and our Executive Committee members. It’s evidence of an underlying passion, resilience and tenacity that exists across the Industry to ensure we succeed for our individual members, the businesses we serve and the UK as the World’s meeting place and home to so many iconic events.
I thank you for your support and look forward to continuing to work together to meet the continuing challenges to our Industry.
I send everyone my best wishes for a festive holiday season and a successful and prosperous New Year.
Warmest regards
Chris Skeith OBE
Chair