Few industries are as badly hit by the pandemic as the conference sector. The Visit Flanders Convention Bureau has therefore developed numerous initiatives to support organizers, associations, venues and cities in organizing their events.
These activities have now been rewarded with the ICCA Marketing Award. The jury praised the long-term strategy, which focuses on the development of effective tools and close cooperation with the partners. This creates a framework in which events can take place in a Covid-safe environment, it says.
Secure conferences thanks to effective instruments
The first pillar in the Visit Flanders Convention Bureau’s strategy was the development of tools such as the COVID Event Risk Model (CERM). The tool informs organizers about the Covid security risks of every conference and gives tips on how they can be minimized.
Other pillars were the financial measures negotiated with the government, the COVID Infrastructure Risk Model (CIRM), the Corona Prevention Guidebook and the YourFlanders App. It shows the current occupancy of all tourist attractions in Flanders and helps to comply with the corona protective measures.
Close cooperation with many partners
The development of these instruments was only possible through close cooperation with numerous partners. The Visit Flanders Convention Bureau played a leading role in bringing together the ideas put forward by the government, EventFlanders, the Alliance of Belgian Event Federations, the Karel de Grote Hogeschool, as well as the individual cities, conference venues, event planners and international offices.
The association helped to find innovative solutions that are welcomed and supported by the entire conference sector. The CERM also arouses interest beyond the borders of Flanders, which is also reflected in winning the ICCA Marketing Award. (red)
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