O PI N I O N The call of the crowd For all the virtues of meeting virtually over the past year, there are also limits and most of us have a strong desire to meet people face to face again, says FIDI Secretary General Jesse van Sas W hen we announced on 21 January that we were planning to hold an in-person conference in Vienna at the end of August/beginning of September, we had no idea of what kind of most travelling was banned and many of us locked also expected some enthusiasm, from at least part four very clear demands for the conference in 2021: In fact, the support and sheer joy we received from many demonstrated that perhaps planning same time, there are still many uncertainties in the world, in respect of the pandemic, the vaccine distribution, and economic recovery are we being too optimistic? Perhaps we are, but we feel it is important for an association such as FIDI to To accommodate that need, FIDI has begun planning this conference, in the assumption that travel restrictions will be largely lifted by the time we meet and that we will be able to create a as possible To take place in a safe environment To be cost-effective for both the attendees JESSE VAN SAS, SECRETARY GENERAL OF FIDI GLOBAL ALLIANCE and FIDI everyone involved With this in mind, Europe and particularly the hotel that can accommodate the guests as well as question of hosting an in-person conference this and that is a good option when on-site meetings On top of that, and a compelling element in the expenses, in case the situation forces us to cancel organise virtual sessions and, perhaps, virtual Particularly in an industry such as ours, which thrives on close personal contact by the very We were all curious to do video meetings, It has shown us the technology available these negotiate with the hotel for a contract that allows us to cancel the conference, with 100 per cent reimbursement of meeting fees, up to two months It is good and easy to plan ahead when we have such protection and, therefore, we are looking forward to seeing everyone in the city of Vienna on 29 August, for a long-awaited moment to celebrate Connect with me on LinkedIn or by email: jesse.vansas@fidi.org Details about registration and hotel booking will Twitter: @jessevansas @FIDIglobal probably never go away again, and that is surely meetings have their limits, and now, a year since W W W. F ID I. O R G FF301 Q2 21 pp18-19 Jesse Opinion.indd 19 19 08/03/2021 16:51