Having worked in the events industry for over 25 years, it is clear to me that to kick start the entire events sector we need an expected start date for small (under 50 delegates) meetings; mid size events (50 - 200 delegates) and large events (200+ delegates).

Having an approximate start date will give clarity to an entire industry and the confidence to get events kick-started.

Buyers, according to Brief2Event booking data, start the venue booking process approximately 2-3 months ahead of an event taking place and take two weeks to make a decision on selecting a venue.  Now is the average time to start planning for September events.

Venues have, and are, publishing their new capacities for social distanced events; new policies for cleanliness; contract flexibility in case COVID-19 will prevent the meeting from taking place.  Venues are ready and hungry to start helping meeting planners to get back to running face to face events.

Meetings and events will not start the day after venues are permitted to run events and meetings.  Time is needed to plan.  The time to start planning for September events and meetings is right now and this petition is needed to highlight to UK Government and the Business Secretary the need for clarity for our entire industry.