International Confex: The role of an association during a crisis

International Confex 21’s Association Event Forum, on Day 1 of the show, continued with its second discussion held under the title ‘The role of an Association during a crisis’. The discussion was hosted by Nick Gold, MD of Speakers Corner and president of the International Association of Speaker Bureaus (IASB). Gold outlined how the IASB had realised that providing members with a safe space to engage and share within was critical in effectively approaching the pandemic at its outset. However, as the pandemic developed, Gold noted how the role of the association was forced to expand. Gold said: “As well as a safe space, education became important. We learnt the association must guide their members throughout the pandemic. If we educate our members effectively then they are able to effectively serve their clients. This, in turn, enables us to grow our industry as a whole.” With regards the Covid-19 recovery, Gold concluded: “Coming out of a crisis should be seen as a time of opportunity. If you’ve played your hand right during a crisis an association can embed itself as a critical part of the sector.” For further information on International Confex 21, visit here