AUSTRALIA’S business events body representing large industry associations is throwing its weight behind the country’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign and has urged federal and state authorities to support organisers.
The Business Events Council of Australia is calling on the industry and wider community to get vaccinated and is communicating the hashtag #GiveBEaShot. BECA has also cemented ties with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance its engagement with government.
Australia is seeing renewed border closures and lockdowns triggered by a surge in Covid cases. Vaccination thresholds have been set by government chiefs with a view to removing restrictions and recommencing international travel.
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BECA, however, says the business events industry cannot be put on hold while vaccination targets are being met as uncertainty is continuing to put livelihoods at risk. Industry leaders say organisers and venues have already shown they can hold safe business events.
“Prior to the recent lockdowns, our industry was clearly demonstrating how business events could be held safely, effectively and in compliance with state-based health protocols across the country,” said Geoff Donaghy, BECA deputy chair.
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“The nature of these highly organised and structured events, delegate behaviours, controlled settings, and the contact tracing frameworks we have in place sets us apart from mass gatherings.”
BECA said in a statement that while business events contribute A$36 billion to the national economy and supported 230,000 jobs, it must also be seen as having a vital role in Australia’s economic recovery as a driver of knowledge transfer, innovation, productivity and trade and investment relationships.
As a result of the recent lockdowns, delegates and exhibitors have not been able to move freely within Australia, putting businesses at risk. BECA added that organisers running events in other states do not receive access to any state-based business support if restrictions prevent that event from proceeding.
