COMMUNITY

We're in a more global world than ever before - the world is smaller than it has ever been. However, not everyone may see internationalisation as a valuable path or a top priority, with some Associations preferring to work in splendid isolation believing that “an international outlook is not for us”.

2021 enters with us still fighting a rapidly changing pandemic but provides us hope as a vaccine begins to roll out globally. This leaves associations contemplating possibly bringing back face-to-face event experiences with a virtual element. This is not only a good idea “in these COVID times”, but once you’ve opened engagement to members who would never have had the opportunity to attend an event it seems counter-intuitive to close those doors again.

It goes without saying that we have learned a lot as a sector from the continued presence of COVID-19. Many associations have realised the importance of international collaboration and the need for an extended support network with organisations around the world. Working from home, and the switch to online events has forced open a digital world that easily allows for organisations to connect and collaborate like never before.