Re-Opening Business Events
An increasing number of markets around the world have started to re-open business events, with varying COVID-19 protocols in place. Confidence remains the key to reassuring customers and visitors that business events can be operated in a controlled environment, whilst adhering to local regulations and policies, and minimising associated health risks. Early indicators from events that have successfully taken place around the world support this argument, which will bolster the industry as more markets emerge from lockdown restrictions.
To support the re-opening of events and the wider exhibition industry, we are pleased to announce the launch of the third edition of the Good Practice Guide: Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events. The report is produced jointly by AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres, ICCA, the International Convention and Congress Association, and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
Driven by their Joint Safety & Security Task Force, the three associations have been engaged in assisting their members, and the industry at large, since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and the third edition of this key resource is just the latest example of this continuous support.
The guide follows a series of COVID-19-related publications released by the three associations, and is now being shared with the global exhibition community to support their work in creating conditions and safeguards that will enable the smooth re-opening of activities, whilst observing the needs and expectations of governments and health authorities.
AIPC, ICCA and UFI stress that this guidance is just that: guidance based on examples. Specific local, regional and national health, safety, environmental, compliance and legal requirements differ vastly from country to country, from service to service and from product to product, and this guidance is not intended to represent or supplant this.
“With each iteration of the Good Practice Guide, we can see the difference that collaboration and knowledge-sharing make in re-starting the meetings industry. The new insights shared by convention centres offer an invaluable perspective on re-opening in the face of the current challenges caused by the pandemic. It is vital that our industry returns to face-to-face events quickly, safely and efficiently. This update is an excellent resource for any organisation in our industry to understand the very latest innovative and adaptive approaches,” says James Rees, ICCA President.
“At UFI, we are tracking the recovery of exhibitions and business events around the world. Where shows have taken place, exhibitors and visitors have expressed their satisfaction with attending shows, as well as reporting good business. This guide is a ready reckoner for global good practices, and as a service to the entire events and exhibition industry, we are making it available for all stakeholders globally. Standing together, working together – this defines our whole sector, and, for me personally, the G3 alliance between AIPC, ICCA and UFI is a wonderful example for this power of collaboration,” says Anbu Varathan, UFI President.