‘Agencies must take proactive approach to risk’ – Fay Sharpe, Zibrant

A proactive, risk orientated approach for meetings and event management agencies is now a key factor in ensuring their ongoing value to clients, according to Zibrant managing director – sales and marketing, Fay Sharpe. She says that increasingly global meetings strategies mean that agencies must treat crisis management expertise as a priority, and invest in staff training accordingly.

Sharpe continues, ‘Never before have meetings and events been more international, adventurous and ambitious, and correlating with that is increased risk as well as greater operational challenges if things do go wrong. In addition to the potential for predictable problems represented by long-haul traveller health and safety, almost every week we are seeing political unrest and natural disasters which, on top of huge budgetary pressures, make it absolutely vital that agencies are properly prepared to help clients maintain their employees’ security and business continuity. This capability is now a fundamental driver of client confidence.

‘A proactive approach here is of critical importance, and as well as appropriate technology, significant investment in staff training should now be the norm. Scenario planning, case studies and a thorough understanding of how to conduct rigorous health and safety assessments are, for example, part of standard front-line employee knowledge at Zibrant. Local knowledge is also vitally important, and we routinely send staff on secondment abroad to help facilitate this. Equipping the team with appropriate skills is part of our own due diligence as employers, and ensures that we can work effectively with clients to formulate and execute sound contingency-led policies and procedures.’

‘Many events companies are already well-placed to provide in respect of crisis management, but those for whom it is less familiar territory should put it to the top of their agenda in order to continue to be of value and relevance in the global marketplace.’

Tags: Fay Sharpe, Zibrant

Category: General Event Industry News