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“To ensure future success for our sector, we need to chart a path where we can survive and thrive. To do this, we need to start holding uncomfortable conversations, not only with the usual suspects, our industry colleagues and clients, but with sceptical policy makers and with experts who will challenge our assumptions and stretch us to find unexpected solutions,” says Natasha Richards, head of advocacy & industry relations at the IMEX Group.
Richards believes the crucial – often challenging – dialogue between the industry and policy makers is the key driver behind maintaining the sector’s relevancy and success. She expects such critical conversations to lie at the heart of the IMEX Policy Forum which takes place on Tuesday 23 May, the first day of the IMEX Frankfurt, show
The Policy Forum brings together policy makers, destination representatives, business events association executives and other thought-leaders for a half-day of intensive, perspective-challenging discussion.
Over 30 global destinations have already confirmed their interest in participating in this year’s Forum along with representatives at national, regional and city level from destination administrations across Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa.
The Forum, says Richards, aims to create a roadmap that benefits and unites both policy makers and industry leaders; to help set the agenda for future high-level conversations and in-depth research and to help build better partnerships and understanding of the value, relevance and impact of business events.
Dedicated discussions for policy makers
The Policy Forum hosts two concurrent peer-to-peer discussion groups prior to the Open Forum. One is a workshop designed for local, municipal and city policy makers, facilitated by professor Greg Clark CBE, global urbanist and leading advisor on cities and businesses. The other session brings together national government ministers and representatives of travel and tourism and economic affairs to discuss the national agenda, chaired by Martin Sirk, from Sirk Serendipity and Geneviève Leclerc, president and CEO, #MEET4IMPACT.
The Open Forum, moderated by Jane Cunningham, director of European Engagement for Destinations International, sees destination representatives and business events leaders join policy makers for interactive round table discussions. These discussions will draw on innovative case studies, research studies and white papers for debate.
“We encourage all destinations participating at IMEX Frankfurt to invite their local, regional or national policy maker to the show,” Richards adds. “It’s crucial that these conversations take place and that key decision makers experience first-hand the full breadth and clout of our marketplace.”
For further details visit: www.imex-frankfurt.com/policy-forum or contact our team: policyforum@imexexhibitions.com
IMEX Frankfurt takes place 23–25 May 2023. To register click here.
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