Agility is key in today's Covid-hit world, with at least 70% of the 108 surveyed associations reported cancelled events.
In a post-Covid world, agility is the name of the game as a survey by
the Malaysian Society of Association Executives (MSAE) has shown.
In a virtual webinar beaming out from Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
(KLCC) and supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau
(MyCEB), MSAE presented findings on the impact of Covid-19 on the
country's associations, and how they're "doing their best to navigate
this challenging situation," said Sunny Chee, president, MSAE.
Conducted earlier in August, the survey collated sentiments from 108
associations from various sectors, of which at least 70% reported
cancelled events such as conferences, forums and exhibitions due to the
pandemic.
The silver lining is how these associations have pivoted to flow with
the times, with at least 80% already adopting online platforms for
virtual council meetings, AGMs and webinars.
“It is heartening to see many of us in associations have adapted to
the new normal. MSAE is a young association and we look forward to
increasing our presence and generate more engagement beyond our
membership, and establish a relationship with relevant government
sectors to establish a stronger voice for Malaysian associations," said
Chee.
KLCC has also launched a raft of new initiatives — including a new
website with a dedicated Covid-19 information section, AI chatbot, and
interactive floor plans.
"Our major priority was to be venue ready and team ready" said KLCC's
director of global business development & marketing, Angeline van
den Broecke, who has shared that the centre will continue with their
adoption of hybrid and virtual platforms.
MyCEB, meanwhile, launched its Meet in Malaysia campaign back in July
to rally the industry today. More than 90 industry stakeholders have
joined, offering new meeting packages to local and international
planners.
"We are thrilled for such a tremendous support from our industry
players and their keenness to get back to business," said Edward Lim,
sales manager, MyCEB.
"There are a variety of packages available under the Let’s Meet
Locally Programme to encourage local meetings and events, and the Let’s
Meet Tomorrow Programme offers attractive deals for home-grown regional
and international events."
MyCeb has reportedly received close to 20 event applications for the
Let’s Meet Tomorrow Programme, consisting of more than 24,000 delegates.
In related news, KLCC's van den Broecke, together with MyCEB CEO,
Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani, was appointed to the International Congress and
Convention Association's Asia Pacific board of directors in late
November.