If a member of the event team has private interests different and possibly competing with the interest of the event, then their ability to act in the best interest of the event can be impaired.

“Conflict of interest is not a corruption offence but can pose a risk of corruption” Dr. Eduard Ivanov  2022 International Anti-Corruption Academy

For example: a conference organizer employed by a major venue holds shares in a company competing for work at the conference.   This may not be an issue if the conflict of interest is declared. It is almost inevitable that an experienced event company will have multiple relationship with many supplier companies.

Hence this declaration of interests should be in the event Code of Conduct and/or Anti-Corruption Policy. Much more on this is in later chapters.