WORLD – Conference organisers, attendees and suppliers used creative solutions to the problems caused by the cloud of volcanic ash which grounded almost all flights in and out of the UK and parts of Europe last week.
A survey conducted by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) among its members found that many worked with clients to mitigate the damage. Several events were rebooked at no extra charge, cancellation and attrition clauses have been relaxed, and efforts were made to assist and communicate with delegates.
Many smaller events were replaced with video conferences, and some larger events were transformed to ‘hybrid meetings’ by combining a live audience with webcasting for those who could physically attend.
While European events were most badly affected with more than 70 per cent reporting negative impacts, conferences held as far from ‘ground zero’ as Malaysia and the west coast of North America also suffered. Travel delays and cancellations resulted in reduced delegate attendance, missing keynote speakers and frustrated organisers.
CEO of ICCA Martin Sirk says: “This unprecedented shut-down challenged our industry as never before, and has been a massive wake-up call for us to think about how we deal with the inevitable future crises.
“What it also demonstrated is the vital importance of strong long-term working relationships between suppliers and meeting planners – this is not a time for either party to insist on contractual small-print, and if there has been one heart-warming aspect from our survey it was to hear so many stories of collaboration and flexibility.”
