The Institute of Event Management (IEM) and the Tourism Management Institute (TMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote cooperation between the two organisations in tourism, events and the wider visitor economy.

The Memorandum, signed by IEM Executive Board Chair Susan Spibey and TMI President Tom Pridmore, will see the bodies working together to:

•            Lobby jointly for the benefit of the sector;

•            Organise joint events including webinars, conferences and networking opportunities;

•            Share knowledge to benefit members of both organisations;

•            Share media relations activities; and

•            Deliver thought leadership to challenge legacy thinking and encourage the next generation of professionals.

“We believe it is vital for the future of the sector to develop meaningful relationships between key organisations,” says IEM Executive Board Chair Susan Spibey.

“Only by doing so will we enable continuing professional development, business opportunities, global profiling and sharing of resources to develop further the creative skills, infrastructure and technology that underpin the sector.

“The events sector was hit extremely hard by the Covid pandemic. It is currently facing new pressures, from rising costs and inflation to the impact of Brexit, coupled with a temporary decline in enrolment on related undergraduate courses.

“By working collaboratively we can help to address these issues and achieve greater impact for everyone involved in a sector that is a significant contributor to the UK economy. In 2022, the industry was reckoned to generate £84 billion every year with conferences and business events generating more than £18 billion in direct spend annually.”

“Here at the Tourism Management Institute, we are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Event Management,” says TMI President Tom Pridmore.

“The work of both organisations is inextricably linked in the development of the visitor economy. Events form part of the core tourism offer in all destinations and have become a critical part of the British visitor economy. By pooling knowledge and working together in a carefully programmed way, opportunities for shared learning will be created for members of both organisations.

“There will also be opportunities for combined policy making, resulting in a stronger voice in the promotion of destination management.”

(From left) Diane Earles, IEM Director; Tom Pridmore, TMI President; Susan Spibey, IEM Executive Board Chair; and Chris Pateman, IEM Executive Board Vice-Chair, sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.