CAEM’s Federal Engagement Plan

In mid-October, CAEM’s Board of Directors approved a proposal to retain the services of public affairs agency, Crestview Strategy, to help us develop, execute and advocate for sector-specific relief from the Federal Government.  Crestview Strategy is helping CAEM build out a strong narrative with various Ministers’ offices on the significant negative impact  the pandemic has had on the exhibition sector, those employed in the industry, the supply chains, and the thousands of local and small businesses and jobs that rely on exhibitions for survival.

Our Federal engagement strategy is being executed along the following timeline:

• Phase 1 (3 weeks)  COMPLETE
  Research and Data Analysis – A high-level economic impact survey to produce the valuable data and analysis required to develop a tailored ask of Government based on the details of the need and potential impact of funding.
• Phase 2 (1 week)  COMPLETE
  Proposal and Strategy Development – With the analysis of the economic impact survey in hand, we will build out a narrative illustrating how the exhibition sector has been highly disrupted by COVID-19 while underscoring that this is an industry with unique needs that must be sustained.
• Phase 3 (December 2020 to Spring 2021)  COMPLETE
  Federal Engagement and Pre-Budget Consultations – A comprehensive outreach to key political advisors at Innovation, Science and Industry; Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade; Economic Development; Heritage; Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office, with the goal of sharing the funding proposal with targeted staff and engaging members of parliament across all caucuses to build noise around the need for industry support.
• Phase 4 (December 2020 to Spring 2021)  COMPLETE
  Small Business Coalition Development – A group of small and medium size business owners that will work together to help amplify CAEM’s request for federal funding, by sharing both the qualitative and quantitative impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses.  This will include developing the necessary material for coalition members to effectively and cohesively convey the CAEM financial support ask, as well as mobilizing and preparing coalition members for federal engagement, alongside CAEM.