"We have some wonderful com mentators and leaders in this industry and never has there been a better or more important time to stand up and be heard," he said. "I would expect every association chair, agency boss and senior corporate planner to consider submitting their witness statements.
"Rather than reading about what the government should or shouldn’t be doing we should use this as the next step in driving forward and receiving full governmental recognition and support as a powerhouse of the UK economy. Don’t sit on the sidelines but be part of the movement that will help shape the meetings and events industry in the UK."
International Confex and Britain for Events are acting as secretariat for the inquiry and will host an industry forum in the summer of 2013 to present and debate its findings.
Nick de Bois MP launched the inquiry at Confex last month.
The deadline for written testimony tomorrow, 19 April. Some witnesses will be invited to give personal testimony in front of a panel of MPs throughout the spring.
"It’s important that we provide the forum for this inquiry to share its findings with the very people that informed it and will be affected by it," said Samuels. "I’m looking forward to this summer event where we can work together to establish what the next steps should be in ensuring long term sustainability and success."
Meanwhile, industry association ISES has gathered viewpoints from its UK and international members . The responses will form part of the evidence base for the ISES submission.
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