Many of the major themes we tackle in this issue of MIME, including the impact of small unregulated companies on the industry and the importance of green meeting policies, have one thing in common: if the government took an active role in instigating change, it would happen much faster than if the industry was left to face these issues alone.

Regional chapters of organisations like the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Meeting Planners International (MPI) are still in their infancy and are yet to organise themselves into groups that can lobby for change at a governmental level.

For its part, the Dubai Convention Bureau is mandated to bring business into Dubai rather than influence or monitor the way in which suppliers go about their business, making it difficult for clients coming into the region to know what company or venue to choose when they come to Dubai.

Everyone has their own ideas as to how these issues could be solved - a rating system for industry suppliers; tighter licensing laws; or even regulations to enforce green policies - but until the demand for change becomes a fundamental necessity, it seems that nothing is likely to change.

So the only solution for all industry stakeholders - professional congress organisers, event management companies, destination management companies and other suppliers - is to lead by example and set the benchmark themselves.

Story continues below
Advertisement


If enough of the leading firms across all industry sectors carry out their roles with aplomb and become pioneers in areas where others do not dare to tread, they will achieve the "stand-out" that so many of their clients are striving to achieve by employing their services.

RELATED LINKS: It's all about the green