From the CEO: They'll hear us too Katy Perry

In this week's MEA Express, MEA CEO Peter McDonald marks his turn to solution and future, rather than problem and past, likening Katy Perry's 'Roar' to the vibe we are getting from some of our members, and how, by all accounts, it seems as though the events sector has rounded the bend and entered the straight. 

The Chair and I made a pact recently that we’re not going to use the C-word anymore. It’s getting no more air from us. Our commentary will be oriented to solution and future, rather than problem and past.

I’m enthused by the vibe I’m getting from some of our members. Discussion and conversation is quickly moving from concern for survival to concern for getting everything done. I’ve had people tell me that they’re “crazy busy” and have “never been more time poor”. In the context of uncertainty of recent times, what wonderful problems to now be facing! Let’s face it, we’re always going to have problems. Life is imperfect. But if you were offered the chance to choose your poison between having no work or too much work, I think it’s safe to say the overwhelming now fully informed choice would be the latter.

I’m not so naïve as to think that we can all walk around like Winston Churchill with our index and middle fingers raised in the shape of a V just yet. But it seems pretty clear to me that the Australian events sector has rounded the bend and entered the straight. There is still some distance to the finish line and although it maybe a little hazy, it is actually it and not a mirage we see.

There remains a workforce shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour. And that’s a real problem. I remain of the view that recruitment for attitude and not experience continues to be a viable solution for some jobs in the industry. Workers from other industries who apply for roles possessing transferrable skills are worthy of being given opportunities. It’s much less about what applicants have done than it is about what they’re capable of doing. I know some disagree with this viewpoint, but until someone’s given an opportunity to do a job, they’re not able to prove they can do it. Some unemotive and lateral thinking and objectivity may mitigate some of the recruitment issues of the sector.

But I do wonder how it’s possible that some advertised jobs receive zero applications when we have an unemployment rate. What’s going on there? And the reality is that the unemployment rate is under-reflective of the number of people out of work. It’s not straightforward to obtain unemployment benefits. There are many hoops to jump through to qualify. People who exceed the criteria and therefore are not paid by the government are not tracked because they’re not ‘on the books’. Bottom line, there’s a lot more people available for work than the unemployment rate suggests which makes it even more perplexing that a job advertisement cannot attract a single applicant.

Then when international workers return – and they will – some of those same people will complain that there’s no jobs for Australians. Can’t have it both ways people.

Although it contracted, our sector was not beaten. It proved its resilience. The rate at which recovery is pacing (given what members are saying) evidences it is strong at its core. To humanise physically, the sector has proven it is not all show with a six-pack and a ‘cut’ physique. Its muscle integrity is solid, built for performance and not appearance. When push came to shove and resistance to force was necessary, there’s no denying that the sector’s muscles became fatigued. But they did not tear. Having a strong, stable core helped it to limit damage. Us having one allows us to perform at our physical best. The sector is no different. Because of how you and your predecessors built it, last it did when it needed to. And because it did this it will continue to do so. The events sector can be about smoke and mirrors sometimes, but make no mistake there is a genuineness to it behind the wizardry.

So, like a true Aussie battler our industry copped one on the chin and hit the dirt. But currently rising to its haunches because of its inner core strength, it has looked its aggressor in the face and defiantly said ‘up yours mate’.

How does one put this sort of message to music then? Well fortunately for us but very likely less so for her, Katy Perry seems to have had a rough time of it along her way:

You held me down, but I got up
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready 'cause I've had enough
I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar

We’re not on our feet yet, but this is a fight we’re going to win. And come the time we do, like Katy we’ll roar – but ours will be deafening.

Two final things before I go.

I’m very pleased to tell readers that we’re launching the Evolve 2022 registration platform NEXT WEDNESDAY 20 April. Yep, that’s right you can imminently book your spot to come together with us and your industry peers on 29 and 30 June in Melbourne. I won’t rabbit on here other than to urge you to get on with rebuilding your match fitness as I discussed a fortnight ago, and lead by example to show that in person events are back and attending them is both safe and beneficial.

The Chair discussed the true meaning of Easter last week. I’d like to reiterate his sentiments and also wish you happy Easter celebrations, together with peaceful relaxation over the long weekend that complements it.

Source: Song – “Roar” 

Album – “Prism”