By Simon Hughes, BVEP Chair. Suspense and Strain - The constant media references to Churchill when the PM makes a speech or addresses the nation in this moment of national crisis are wearing very thin with me, particularly as I’ve been ploughing through Churchill’s ‘The Second World War’, which I quoted from in the last update. There is simply no comparison between these two leaders once you learn how the former used expert advice, dealt with the detail, delegated effectively and built a Cabinet around him based on trust, strength, unity and talent. I realise these updates are reading more and more like the manic thoughts of deranged blogger, but I’m trying to keep it real despite everything that’s going on, so please either bear with me or just stop reading now.

By Simon Hughes, BVEP Chair - After the wave of gloom that overtook vast sections of the UK events industry as a result of the latest government rule of six announcement – and the subsequent confusion in relation to the actual impact on permitted event activity – it is perhaps time to regroup and refocus on the ups rather than the downs. One event that certainly lifted spirits across both the UK and further afield was the UKickstart Event 2020 hosted by etc.venues and supported by a number of our partners. This hybrid event linked 12 hubs nationwide with live audiences of 30 and many hundreds more virtually. Although it felt like a slim downed version of Eurovision, with glamorous hosts joining us from the ICC Belfast and Farnborough (nice jacket Carlo), the two main panel sessions hosted by Martin Fullard and Calum Di Lieto were well received, judging by the response on social channels.

Event First Steps (EFS) & CIT have released a sector wide survey on Racial Diversity in the Events Industry. EFS is an initiative for industry newcomers founded by Caitlin Kobrak, Elena Clowes and Priya Narain.

Be part of the LIVE Event to inspire our nation – Visit Britain supports The UKickstart Event 2020 (8th September 2-4pm) FREE to attend opportunity for meeting professionals to demonstrate the power of events. Don’t miss out. Register for The UKickstart Event 2020 here and share as much as possible.

#UKickstartEvent2020 #GetBritainMeeting #ProjectConfidence

Over the last couple of weeks the news from government continues to hold large scale activation across our industry back, although small steps have been taken in some areas. Both the deep frustration being felt has increased, as has the focus on the need to reassure our teams, suppliers, stakeholders and, above all, our clients that we can deliver Covid-19 secure meetings and events of all types and that we are ready to do so. Yet so much lies outside our direct control that it was inevitable that any number of campaigns to support the event industry would spring up.