Amsterdam/ Brussels / Paris – 15 September 2020
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An increasing number of markets around the world have begun to reopen business events with varying COVID-19 protocols in place. While some cities in China are now operating full calendars, increasing number of exhibitions and live events are taking place in Europe, the Middle East and North and South America. Despite the necessity to shift to digital only events in recent months, numerous studies have shown that companies are eager to return to meeting face-to-face at live events as their preferred marketing channel to reconnect with customers and suppliers and rebuild their businesses following the pandemic.
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Confidence?will remain a key issue – reassuring customers and visitors that business events can be operated in a controlled environment which adheres to local regulations and policies, and which can minimize associated health risks. Early indicators from events that have been successfully held around the world support this argument and will bolster the industry as markets emerge from lockdown restrictions.
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To support this, we are pleased to announce the publication of the: “Good Practice Guide: Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events – Version 2” 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.
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The Guide builds on the first report published in May and includes 12 mini case-studies and learnings from events which successfully too place during July and August around the world. It follows the series of COVID-19 related publications by the three associations and it is being shared with there spective memberships. It continues to support their work to create conditions and safeguards that will enable the smooth reopening of their activities while observing the needs and expectations of relevant governments and health authorities.
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This Guide complements three earlier publications which were produced and distributed in March, April and May of this year:
Good Practice Guidance to COVID-19 for Convention and Exhibition Centres
Good Practice Guidance for the Use of Centres as Temporary Emergency Facilities
Good Practice Guide: Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events
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As with previous Guides, this latest publication has been created as acollaborative project amongst different parts of the overall industry. It has been developed through the direct, practical experiences and expertise of members that are dealing with the impacts on a day-to-day basis, and the three association Presidents acknowledged this invaluable contribution to the relevance of the content.
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Following distribution, the partner associations will be scheduling an online event to facilitate the implementation of the guidance provided in this publication and to assist members in interpreting its content into local actions.
Downloadofficial UFI press release
