Skal International Sydney hosted it’s October networking event this week onboard Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney. Guest speaker at the event was Claudia Sagripanti, Chief Executive of the Exhibitions and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA).
Like with the Travel Industry, COVID-19 brought the Events Industry to a smashing halt in March, at which point Sagripanti had been at the helm of the EEAA for one month.
When asked about the challenges that EEAA members had faced over the last few months, Sagripanti stated “It’s been myriad”.
“Some members have shed up to 80% of their staff, which is devastating”.
The event’s industry’s contribution to Australias’s economy is estimated at $35.7 billion and employs an estimated 230,000 people. Australia is ranked 8th out of 50 countries in terms of business events spend.
“Companies not being able to operate has been diabolical for the industry”, said Sagripanti.
Sagripanti informed that Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland have started to run some events. The organisers can demonstrate that they have Covid-Safe plans and that they are working effectively, but in New South Wales, we are dealing with significant inconsistencies.
The interview can be viewed at http://sydney.skal.org.au/an-
The next Skal International Sydney event will be held in November. Details and booking will be available on the Skal International Sydney website over the coming week – http://sydney.skal.org.au/.
