Canada’s meetings and business events sector needs to raise its collective voice and collaborate like never before if it hopes to have its concerns heard by government decision makers.
That’s just one of the key points made by MMBC chair Clark Grue during the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) 2020 Tourism Congress.
MMBC continues to advocate for the business events sector alongside partners such as TIAC, Convention Centres Canada, the Canadian Association of Exhibition Management and the Hotel Association of Canada. However, every individual “needs to raise their voice in support of our industry,” Grue said. “I encourage you to fight for our existence while thinking creatively about how you can fit into the new normal of protocols, regulations and safety procedures.”
Here are just a few of the ways MMBC is asking industry members to become personally involved:
TAKE ACTION like Cam Stevens did when he recently invited his member of parliament to visit the Stevens E3 exhibit facility in London, Ont., to hear firsthand how the shutdown has deeply impacted the business.
GET ACTIVE on social media: Start by following MMBC’s LinkedIn page; like and share conversations that support getting our industry back to business.
Grue also spoke about some of the key things MMBC is asking of government leaders:
- Additional funding/liquidity support for those companies with equipment, bricks and mortar or financial commitments that they cannot bear, as well as the continuance of programs that currently support the industry.
- The immediate implementation of rapid testing at Canada’s international entry points. “I commend government efforts to test these protocols at the Coutts border crossing in Alberta and at the Calgary Airport,” says Grue. “We need to learn quickly from these pilot projects and roll rapid testing out in our all airports.”
- Reopen the border to international business visitors. “If we continue to only rely on government and consumer spending by Canadians, we will not recover nearly as quickly nor as effectively than if we’re able to invite international guests back,” Grue says.