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Guest Blog: July 2010

Ruth Robinson, Lancashire & Blackpool Conferences & Meetings and new Eventia Destinations Ambassador

Following a recent destination summit earlier this year and perhaps not least due to the fact that I was vocal in my concerns about benefits of membership for destinations - I now find myself co-opted onto the Eventia Board as the official representative of destination members and subsequently responsible for driving all destination-specific projects and initiatives  - quite a daunting task and not one to be taken lightly I’m sure you will agree. 

Since the BACD merger with Eventia I think it fair to say that certainly the UK destinations have been a little unclear as to what the benefits of membership are.  Well, let me tell you that’s all about to change!  Having recently attended the Summer Eventia and spent a little time with the Eventia team I am convinced that Eventia offers destination benefits unparalleled by other industry associations - where else do you get the chance to network on an informal basis with CEO’s of some of the largest agencies in the UK! 

As destination membership continues to grow it is my intention to ensure destinations both within the UK and indeed internationally are aware of the benefits available to them through Eventia.  In these uncertain times with many of us facing severe budget cuts we are all under increased pressure to demonstrate ROI more than ever before and with this in mind we’re already looking at many new initiatives that will benefit destination members to ensure that you receive real measurable results from your involvement with Eventia. 

I’ll be keeping you up to date from time to time but do please get in touch even if it is to tell me what you would like to see change – we cant fix it we don’t  know it’s broken!   Most of us run membership organisations ourselves so we all know you get out what you put in but please don’t forget we’re here to make it work for you! I hope to see many of you at the forthcoming Summer Networking Party but in the meantime I’m off to my first board meeting – I’ll keep you posted!

Ruth