The start of a new year brings energy and optimism for the possibilities that lie ahead. For me, this is always a time to reflect and focus on the things we are most grateful for in our lives personally and professionally, and the inevitable intersection of those two worlds. I feel very blessed to be working in an industry that prioritises and showcases the power of human connections and works together to live those values.

While attending IAEE’s Expo!Expo! in December, working with Cleo Battle and the team at the Louisville CVB, Johnnie White, and the APEX Commission, we launched our pilot workforce development programme hosting 20 students enrolled in a hospitality programme. We talked with them in a small group setting to listen to their interests, hopes and dreams as they think about their next steps.

The conversation went in a few directions, but one of the themes that rose to the surface was the entrepreneurial and creative nature of what we do in the business events industry. Another important message we shared with the students was the value and impact of community. We discussed how crucial it is to build a strong peer network, not only for professional development and learning opportunities but also, perhaps more importantly, for the more subtle yet powerful role these networks play in our emotional wellbeing.

For those of us who have been at this for some time, I believe we would all personally attest to how much these relationships mean to us as we navigate our world at a time of great uncertainty. There is much sadness and critical conversations and actions that need to happen to address the divide and injustices that exist in our world. There is also hope and the deep belief that we are all anchored  in our sector and that when united, the global business events industry can be a catalyst for meaningful change.

At EIC, we are deeply committed to this premise and these values with particular emphasis on building capabilities and inspiring ambition related to regenerative and equitable practices in our sector and event experiences.

We know we must work across all communities to achieve the goals we have set forth. I want to offer a very special thank you for all who have committed to the CMP Journey as well as those who have started on the path of the SEPC and SES journey. You are modeling the way for others at this critical time as part of a global society.

On a personal note, l am a big Brené Brown fan, so I’ll share a thought that resonated with me from her recent podcast series “Unlocking Us … Living Big.” She talked about the connection between boundaries, integrity and generosity, and raised the question, “What if everyone was doing their best?”

I think this is a very powerful thought in particular for our industry and the professionals who are joining us on this journey at a time of great change and opportunity. I highly recommend this two-part segment.

This issue focuses on wellbeing and the continued conversation we will be having throughout the year as we prioritise the care and feeding of the relationships and partnerships that are foundational to the business events industry.

I look forward to continuing our conversations this April when we gather again for our CMP-exclusive event: CMP Advance.

I am very excited about the return of our Events Industry Council event designed by CMPs, for CMPs. This programme, exclusive to CMPs and CMP Fellows, centers around the EIC pillars of People, Planet and Purpose, and aligns to the International Standards domains.

I look forward to charting the path forward with you in 2023 – connecting you to EIC resources such as our CE webinars, industry research, the Sustainable Event Standards and Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Programme, and of course seeing you in New York for CMP Advance. Thank you for all you do day in and day out to support EIC, one another, and the incredible work being done inside the CMP community to advance our industry.

Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council