Destinations need community-wide support if they’re to create a sustainable business events industry, according to Mike Williams (right), senior partner of GainingEdge.
Williams speaks ahead of the Imex Frankfurt 2017 (May 16-18), where Gaining Edge, a business events consultancy, will host its annual Gaining Leads and Gaining Edge Knowledge Exchange (GEKEX) sessions.
360 support
Williams says support needs to come from all levels of government, the academic community, local business leaders and the general public.
He adds that the best practice bureaus are: embarking on association development programmes that strengthen local host communities and make them better resourced to host international conferences; working closely with academic institutions to develop curriculum and industry internships; and engaging in CSR programmes that generate community benefits and raise awareness of the importance of business events.
Advice
Williams advises bureaus to align their priorities with that of governments to secure long-term support. He also suggests bureaus demonstrate the relevance of business events for governments to achieve their economic growth objectives.
Williams also stresses the importance of meetings industry partnerships for helping destinations extend their brand value proposition to the marketplace, create value-add programmes to entice new business and develop new products and services suitable for the business events sector.
IMEX
In addition to GainingEdge hosting Gaining Leads and Gaining Edge Knowledge Exchange (GEKEX) sessions at Imex, Gaining Edge CEO Gary Grimmer will moderate at International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) Association Expert Seminar
