Business View Oceania - June 2024

advocacy is crucial, especially in the post-pandemic landscape, where the industry is recovering and rebuilding. COVID-19 SOCIAL IMPACT The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the events industry, and MEA was no exception. “Our industry has been heavily impacted by the pandemic because of its social nature. It was one of the first to be affected and one of the last to recover,”McDonald reflects. The pandemic forced many businesses to innovate and adapt, leading to a shift towards hybrid and virtual events. However, the demand for in-person events resurges as the world returns to face-to-face interactions. Looking ahead, McDonald is optimistic about the future of the events industry. “As a species, humans are social. There’s a guaranteed need for us to come together. The future of events is secure, and the pandemic reinforced that we need to attend events and be interconnected with other people,” he affirms. The industry’s resilience and capacity for innovation will be key drivers of its future success. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT One of the cornerstones of MEA’s offerings is its commitment to education and professional development. The organization provides education by the industry for the industry, tailoring its training and development programs to the specific needs and challenges of the events industry. This ensures that professionals receive relevant and practical knowledge directly applicable to their roles. The Diploma of Event Management is an indication of this commitment, offering a rigorous and industry- recognized qualification that equips graduates with the skills and expertise necessary to excel in their careers. In addition to formal education, MEA offers various professional development opportunities that cater to a wide range of industry interests and needs. The fortnightly webinar program, for example, delivers diverse content covering topics from legal issues to emotional intelligence. The webinars are designed to provide members with ongoing education and 50 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06