AIM Group International, the professional congress organiser has reported a spike in business activity during the final third of the year, with 35 events taking place involving 15,000 people.
And there had been a ‘sharp reboot’ in in-person meetings, according to the Milan-based company, including international association conferences with large audiences.
“We are experiencing an enthusiastic response to in-person events from association and corporate clients and from the delegates, happy to leave for a trip, meet their international colleagues face to face, exchange ideas, chat freely and strengthen new relationships in a safe environment,” said Gianluca Buongiorno, President AIM Group International.
“Safety is a major concern, all the protective and preventative measures are put in place, and we notice that delegates feel very comfortable and confident and are quickly getting used to a new normality”.
The European ESOT Congress, in Milan, which brought together 1,200 delegates in person and 1,400 delegates online, was the stand-out success so far, but similar events are planned for 2021, including the General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (GASS) of the International Union of Radio Science.
Buongiorno added: “We are really excited about these results. Since the pandemic, we have experimented with our clients and helped them pivot to new solutions, formats and technologies. We have had some stunning results, for example the SIAARTI ICare tour or FIMP House were recently recognised with international innovation awards.
“It is all about persistence because after we geared up for the initial phase, now the challenge is to fulfil the entire process, despite the difficulties. We are sure that the recovery of the events industry and its new face and identity will emerge only if we don’t let go of our obsession with making it happen.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
