Published on 13/02/09 at www.meetpie.com
'Keep America Meeting' aims to prevent ‘draconian’ policies inhibiting meetings and incentive programmes
Meetings professionals worldwide are being encouraged to sign the 'Keep America Meeting' petition following fears the US may introduce ‘draconian’ policies inhibiting meetings and incentive programmes.
The move follows President Obama’s recent call for companies that have received emergency government lending to develop guidelines on conferences, events and employee recognition programmes.
One signatory to the petition, Visit London commercial director David Hornby, says the concern is the US Congress will develop policies that will inhibit these companies from using meetings and event activities to communicate to and motivate staff in the same way as before.
"As an industry we obviously want corporates and brands to show empathy with current conditions but we do not want draconian measures put in place by government both there and here in Europe that affect jobs, communities and businesses.
“Obviously the consequences for London, the UK, Europe and our business in hotels, venues and the supply chain could be seriously affected. Many American companies receiving this funding have European headquarters here in London so there would not only be an inbound issue but also issues here on our soil.”
The Keep America Meeting petition aims to attract one million signatures before being delivered to the White House, Congress and business leaders to send a message that they need to publicly support the meetings and events industry.
You can view this petition at: www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/3161924
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