Speaking at a reception at the House of Commons yesterday (5 September), de Bois admitted he is not sure where the industry is going to sit within the new line-up. "As a Conservative MP, I’m probably going to be the last person to find out what is going on," he said.
Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose stepped down from his position yesterday following cutbacks within the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS). The Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare had
De Bois added: "As the dust settles I hope it becomes clear that the government has recognised the significance of both the business and tourism events industry and that there is a fitting home for us to fight our corner.
"Whether it be in business or the DCMS, or whether the decision is to share responsibility across a number of departments so be it – I will be satisfied that we are able to form an effective communication link with the government."
The reception, held in the Strangers Dining Room, was also addressed by Michael Hirst, chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership, and James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland. It saw the first screening of the Britain for Events - Events in the Community motion picture (below).
Hirst said the news of Penrose's departure underlines the need for the industry to find new conduits within government to understand the breadth of benefits that are delivered by events.
"We hope that both DCMS, through the appointment of the new Secretary of State, Maria Miller, and BIS will want to work with the industry to ensure maximum benefit to tourism, creative enterprise, trade and exports. We will be seeking urgent meetings to put our case forward."
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