Event Industry ‘Backs Britain’ at Launch of Britain for Events 2012/13
Senior industry professionals backed Britain at the launch of the Britain for Events 2012/13 campaign last night. Over 100 events industry professionals attended the launch at IET London: Savoy Place as well as representatives from government and business including UK Sport, the Tourism Alliance, DCMS, and UK Border Agency.
Michael Hirst, Chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership launched the campaign with the messages Britain for Events is carrying to media, business and government audiences. He also unveiled the ‘Events are GREAT Britain’ creative for the first time in the UK.
The event also saw an engaging panel discussion featuring Fay Sharpe, Managing Director of Zibrant, Katie Resnick, Head of Events & Hospitality for ITV, Jonny Sullens, Event Director, International Confex and Alex Mitchell, Head of Events, IET.
Each backed Britain for 2012/13 with comments including:
Katie Resnick, Head of Events & Hospitality: “ITV is falling in love with Britain again, all the street festivals and activity from 2012 has shown what a fabulous time it is for British events and the eyes of the world are on us.”
Fay Sharpe, Managing Director, Zibrant, commented: “2012 is going to be a tough year and there is still work to do, but we're getting there and Britain for Events is the way to do it. 2013 will also be tough and as an industry we need to show our creativity to attract business into the UK and encourage corporates to keep business here too.
“The standard of delivery from event organisers in the UK is the highest in Europe. I love Britain, we need to back Britain.”
Jonny Sullens, Group Director, International Confex, commented: “We have a fantastic proposition, with people that are passionate about events. Executives should write to their local MP’s, tell them about their business and the impact they have on the local economy.”
Alex Mitchell, Head of Events, IET: "We need to present a united front with every aspect of the meeting and events industry all pushing towards the same aims; unity is important."
Britain for Events is an annual campaign running from April to March and culminating at International Confex 19-21st March 2013.