CEO's Message May 2022
Dear Reader,
After a couple of undeniably challenging years, it’s so great to see signs of optimism in the business community.
The economy is showing signs of rebounding, post-COVID with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting global GDP to grow 3.6 percent, and Asia Pacific GDP to grow 4.9 percent in 2022.
Similarly, PWC’s latest Global CEO Survey, showed Asia Pacific CEOs are expressing confidence in the growth opportunities both within the region and globally, with 76 percent having near-term optimism for global growth. Clearly, there’s a lot of opportunity to be embraced.
Later this month, the World Economic Forum will have its Annual Meeting in Davos. Over 2,000 leaders and experts will come together to discuss the opportunities for cooperation in the face of deepening global friction. Topics that are expected to be discussed include the rise of ‘Industry 4.0’ and what the rise of connected, digitised production systems means for developing countries, the consequences of the war in Ukraine, accelerating female economic empowerment, and how hybrid work models can better support diversity, equity and inclusion. I’m looking forward to following the conversations that come out of Davos and being inspired about what’s to come.
Undeniably, we’re facing another wave of challenges as the conflict in Ukraine continues to have a ripple effect across a range of factors (not least of all, the humanitarian crisis). Many people are also feeling the impact of increasing inflation and cost of living pressures. But if the past two years have shown us anything, it’s that globally we can rise to unforeseen circumstances and face down difficult situations to come out the other side once more.
"One of the biggest factors that I think has contributed to this resilience in the face of tough times is our capacity to connect as people. When we come together to connect, communicate and collaborate, that’s when human potential is at its most powerful."
With end of financial year approaching in some parts of the world, and workplaces continuing to navigate return to work models, it’s important to consider how to bring your team together. Whether it’s EOFY, or just the halfway point in the calendar year, now is the perfect time for strategy planning, as well as bringing your team together for training and team building. A recent global study found that extended virtual interaction comes with a cognitive cost – reduced creative idea generation. After two years of significant remote work for many organisations, strengthening connections among your staff, coming together in a creative environment, and reinforcing a strong team culture can deliver a big impact.
Our events team can help with not just the spaces to bring your team together, but also comprehensive team day planning, including a range of options for social events, strategy sessions and skills building.
As well as our own venues and programs, our team can coordinate with our trusted network of venues and partner organisations to tailor team building events that meet your unique goals.
Closer to home, here in Australia where I am based, winter is approaching. Sydney might be known for its beautiful sunny weather (well, not this summer just gone with record-breaking amounts of rain), but our winters can be surprisingly chilly. With more than 116,000 people homeless across the country on any given night, that’s a lot of people sleeping out in the cold. That’s why this year I’m participating in the St Vincent de Paul’s CEO Sleepout on 23 June 2022 to raise money to help break the cycle of homelessness. If you’re in a position to do so, I’d greatly appreciate any donations via my profile. I’ll be sure to post some photos of my night out in the cold!
As the world continues to evolve its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, opening borders and further reducing restrictions, I’m excited to see what’s next for the international business community. Finding the balance between in-person and virtual options, both for day-to-day work and larger scale events like conferences, remains an evolving area, but the options that are now available to us are incredible and continuing to adapt. We’re continuing to provide our clients with a range of options that suit your individual needs and what you need to achieve, with a flexible approach to deliver the best possible outcomes for you and your audience.
If you’re looking for support for your next event, whether that’s a team building day, strategy planning session or a multi-city conference, we’d love to show you what’s possible. Our team can host you in one of our venues, or provide you with a virtual overview of the options that are available.
If you have feedback or questions please reach out, and most importantly, stay safe.
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