Chapter Leaders Interviews
We interviewed Danielle Bounds to understand the UK & Ireland Chapter initiatives, challenges, and strategies.
Here's what Danielle had to share:
Insights into the Current Priorities and Initiatives of the UK and Ireland Chapter of ICCA
As Sales Director at ICC Wales and Deputy Chair of UK and Ireland chapter of ICCA, I'm deeply engaged with the chapter's current priorities and initiatives. We're placing a strong emphasis on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), recognising that a diverse and inclusive environment is vital to the success of our industry. We're not just talking about EDI; we're actively implementing strategies that ensure representation and fairness in all our activities.
Sustainability is another key focus. The MICE industry has a significant environmental footprint and we're committed to minimising it. This involves everything from reducing waste at events to encouraging sustainable practices among our members and partners. We’re integrating sustainability into our mission, ensuring that it becomes a standard rather than an exception.
Another major focus is investing in the People of the Future, the next generation of industry leaders. Through targeted education and training, we're equipping them with the skills needed for future challenges. We believe in walking the walk by not just discussing but implementing these initiatives effectively.
Additionally, we're dedicated to growing our membership, recognising that a diverse and expanding member base strengthens our chapter's global influence. By integrating these priorities into our mission, we aim to drive meaningful change within the MICE industry.
Significant Challenges and Opportunities for the European Meetings and Events Industry in the Coming Year
Looking ahead, the European meetings and events industry faces some significant challenges. The biggest of these is the rising costs across the board, from venue hire to travel expenses, which are being exacerbated by decreasing budgets. This financial squeeze is forcing event planners and organisers to be more creative and strategic in how they allocate resources.
Visa requirements are another challenge, particularly with the evolving political landscape in Europe. Stricter visa regulations could hinder the ease of movement for international delegates, which is crucial for the success of many events.
However, these challenges also bring opportunities. One of the most exciting is the trend towards personalisation. Events that cater to the specific needs and preferences of attendees are likely to stand out. Personalisation, supported by AI technologies, can significantly enhance the attendee experience, making events more engaging and memorable.
Security at events is another area of opportunity. With growing concerns around safety, events that prioritise and innovate in security measures will gain a competitive edge. This includes everything from advanced screening technologies to comprehensive risk management strategies.
Enhancing Collaboration and Engagement Among Members Within the Chapter
To foster collaboration and engagement among our members, we’re focusing on several key strategies. Our annual chapter meeting has become a cornerstone of our efforts, and it's encouraging to see that it’s attracting record numbers of participants. This event provides a valuable platform for members to connect, share insights and collaborate on common challenges.
We’ve also established a committee with representation from all member sectors to ensure that every voice is heard. This committee is supported by various task forces that tackle specific issues or projects, ensuring that we can respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of our members.
Our Mission Statement underpins all our activities, clearly articulating our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. We’re also introducing a Buddy System for new members, helping them to integrate into the community and benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience within our chapter.
Strategies to Attract New Members to the UK and Ireland Chapter
Attracting new members is a top priority for us. We’re actively reaching out to lapsed and lost members, understanding their reasons for leaving and addressing any concerns they may have. We’re also targeting non-member attendees at our conference, showcasing the benefits of membership and encouraging them to join.
Our committee taskforce is dedicated to membership growth. They’re working on innovative approaches to recruitment, including tailored outreach programs and partnerships that highlight the value of being part of our vibrant community. By focusing on these strategies, we aim to grow our membership base and strengthen our chapter's position within the global ICCA network.
