I'm not talking about those fuzzy, turbulent feelings that
have everyone's head in a spin at this time of year - spring can do strange
things to people!
No, I'm talking about the revitalised economy.
The MICE sector is sensitive to economic cycles: we all know
that much. We're used to companies that suddenly, in the middle of the week, on
an unremarkable Wednesday, just before half past four, postpone all meetings
for the rest of the year or cancel them altogether. These things are an
inherent feature of our fast-moving and hectic professional existence. But
global politics affects us too: local problems can turn into continent-wide
concerns, meaning companies and other groups might suddenly decide it's best
not to travel to a certain location after all, and hey, while they're at it,
it's better not to travel anywhere within a 1,000-kilometre radius of the same
place either.
There's a reason why economics is classed as one of the
humanities at university: there's no exact science involved in the way our
money moves. It's all about emotion, and often about fear too. I can't even
attempt to explain how difficult life must be right now for our colleagues in
Istanbul, or how our meeting partners in Brussels managed to get through last
year.
But all of a sudden, everyone is feeling these recovery
vibes. 'We have never had this many enquiries before', the general feeling
goes. 'People are sick and tired of terrorism', some people confidently claim.
'The economy is doing great', the papers say.
And I agree, but these things have nothing to do with the
past few years. Things have always been this way: we will always continue to
receive enquiries and people will continue to want to meet face to face. The
only thing we need to be wary of is being naive enough to think that successful
multi-nationals won't suddenly decide to seek cost savings, that world politics
won't impact our operations and that the emotional beast that is the economy
will suddenly transform into some kind of rational system.
We at Seauton try to engage with these issues proactively.
But sometimes we might move too quick - we need to stay focused.
I hope everyone has a fruitful spring, but just make sure
you get your contracts signed and your payments in the bank sooner rather than
later.
Until next month,
Jan
Read more:
Blog 14. My team is crazy
Blog 13. Nostalgia for thermal paper
