Kirstie McNulty: Good foundations

27th September 2012
|In Viewpoint
|By Caroline Clift

London 2012 has shown the world what the UK events industry is capable of. But we shouldn’t be complacent, warns Kirstie McNulty, senior account manager, ExCeL London, and Eventia board member

 

This summer Great Britain proved to the world that we know how to put on the greatest and most successful show on earth! From the unique but quintessentially British opening ceremony and the warmest of welcomes by the Games Makers through to the logistics of moving millions of spectators across London every day. Not only that, but our athletes bought home our highest number of gold medals in history. So, how do we harness this and translate it into selling, winning and hosting international events to enhance our reputation as a leading events destination?

Our strengths in creativity, delivery, innovation and hospitality are already in demand. Brazil has already appointed a UK company – AECOM UK – to design the 2016 Olympic Park Master Plan and UK Trade and Investment has also confirmed it is to open a British Business Embassy in Rio to ensure UK industries are showcased.

However, this is not about Rio – it is about what we do back in our own cities, venues and businesses that counts. We shouldn’t accept that this overwhelming welcome and collaborative working will be limited only to events like the Olympics. With major conventions coming to the UK every month, seeing 2,000 – 20,000 delegates descending on our towns and cities; we should ensure that they see the same level of interest and passion from us for the economic benefit, business networking and inward investment that they are creating.

Our country offers world class venues, the best event organisers, the best suppliers, an unrivalled transport system, easy international access and it delivers more sponsors, greater audiences, first class hospitality and sometimes, even the weather!

So let’s make the most of it, continue to work in partnership and collaborate. Whilst our reputation is at its highest peak, we must exploit it and not be complacent.