More events industry associations, including EIC and MPI, condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine  

Several events industry associations, including the Events Industry Council (EIC) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) have condemned the war in Ukraine and released statements on the ongoing situation. The Washington D.C-based EIC, a federation of more than 30 organisations in the events industry, said it “strongly denounces the war in Ukraine and condemns the clear violation of international law”. EIC’s statement said: “We are deeply disturbed by the humanitarian crisis unfolding, which will ultimately impact other countries and regions across Europe and are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of the people of Ukraine. “All of us at the Events Industry Council, and our global EIC family, have been deeply moved by the bravery, courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people and the incredible show of support from our own community and across the world.” Dallas-based MPI said it will immediately suspend business with all companies in Russia and “any plans to formalise a chapter in Russia will be paused”. MPI’s statement added: “Meeting Professionals International condemns the acts of aggression from Russian forces and urges an expeditious end to the conflict with Ukraine. “We remain concerned for the well-being of our community and our MPI members in Russia and Ukraine who were already seeking to climb out of the shadow of this pandemic and are now experiencing these unprecedented challenges.” The PCMA and ICCA both previously released statements condemning the actions of Russia. Valerii Pekar, president of exhibition organiser Euroindex Kyiv, and UFI Board member, also issued a call for international support to help stop the war in Ukraine. IMEX Group recently confirmed that Russian state enterprises have been suspended from attending IMEX Frankfurt, which takes place 31 May-2 June.