Russia faces isolation from the rest of the world as it continues its attack on Ukraine. Photo Credit: gettyimages/LeMusique
The Russian-Ukraine war has created strong divides in the economic
and political landscape – and now, the MICE and events industry.
Industry voices had been quiet on the sidelines, but no more. After
the organisers of IMEX Frankfurt suspended Russian exhibitor from its
2022 show, other organisations have made clear their stands as well.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is the
latest industry organisation to have made a public statement to its
members. ICCA President James Rees announced that all planned activities
and events in Russia would be cancelled, and Russian members would not
be allowed to attend any ICCA events as of now.
For Destinations International, the decision to terminate the
membership of Saint Petersburg Convention Bureau, its only Russia-based
member, was a swift one. There will be no further business engagements
in Russia until a peaceful resolution is achieved.
These organisations have gone the extra mile by making humanitarian
donations to a charity and to World Central Kitchen, respectively, to
help displaced Ukranians. The Society of Independent Show Organizers has
also launched a fundraising campaign in aid of humanitarian efforts.
Northstar Travel Group, parent company of Northstar Meetings Group,
has also made a public statement to “stand with other leaders of the
travel, hospitality and meetings industry to rebuke this unprovoked war
by Russia and to call for peace”.
“Travel connects us, war divides us,” said Tom Kemp, CEO, Northstar
Travel Group. “Northstar strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
and expresses its support of Ukraine in defense of their sovereign
democracy.
“We stand with other organisations in the travel industry by not
engaging in any business with Russian-owned companies until the war in
Ukraine is resolved peacefully and the sovereignty of a free Ukraine is
ensured. This includes barring Russian citizens and residents from
participating in our events around the world.”
Other key industry voices from Events Industry Council, Meeting
Professionals International and Professional Convention Management
Association have also declared clear mandates of their support for
Ukraine.