Tag: coronavirus

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Coronavirus risks long term damage to the events industry

The rapid spread of coronavirus around the world is taking its toll on the events industry and the vast supply chain that supports it. The virus is presenting the industry with an unprecedented global challenge that could be longer lasting than the lifespan of the virus itself.

As the number of coronavirus cases climbs around the world, event organisers face the risk that the disruption will last for several months with people being overcautious to attend future events and the knock-on effect of events that have recently been cancelled.

At this point, it’s hard to know how fast it will spread or what the accurate fatality rate is so we can only learn as the situation develops. With the unknown, it therefore becomes very difficult to predict what the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will be but within the events industry. We are already experiencing consequences that will undoubtedly have a long term effect on certain businesses with the fear that a number will not be able to survive.

Public transport more likely to be a source of transmission than any events

The UK events industry is worth £43 billion and is suffering from many attendees or event organisers either postponing or cancelling outright, which goes against the advice that has been published. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan Van-Tam has stated that ‘There will be no ban on live events and other large-scale mass gatherings across the UK in the near future.’ He also adds that with the virus having a small radius of infection of two metres, pubs and public transport are more likely to be a source of transmission than any events.

Cancelling events will not only have a devastating impact on the supply chain but also on the local and wider economy. The current situation which is panic-driven rather than fact-driven is creating a negative impact on the industry and must be taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of all staff involved.

The events industry should set a positive example and not overreact

As an industry that is at the forefront of public and media attention, we should be setting a positive example in light of the coronavirus outbreak and not overreact. We have a duty of care to look after the large supply chain connected to the industry and until there is evidence or guidance stating events should be cancelled, we should continue with planned events.

Martin Fullard of Mash Media recently told the BBC cancelling events should be a last resort. He also commented that “The events industry is famously resilient and that through collaboration it has a duty to look after its supply chain, which in some cases could see businesses losing out.”

For more articles around the Coronavirus, including top tips for event organisers, check out our industry insights.

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What can we do to avoid cancelling our events?

There’s been a lot of talk around large events cancelling due to the Coronavirus. On 3 March, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government was not currently recommending the cancelling of large events such as the London Marathon or school closures, unless this was advised by Public Health England.

“There may be things that we have to do down the line that we may not want to, but we will need the powers to do that, hence proposing emergency legislation.”

The message we keep hearing is to carry on as normal and to remain vigilant. Wash our hands every two hours for a minimum of 20 seconds, and always cough and sneeze into a tissue – then bin it! It’s the same basic hygiene that we all know and use to avoid catching common colds and flu. Now, it’s just about reinforcing that common-sense message.

It’s also reassuring to hear from travel agency boss Miles Morgan. Appearing on a BBC News coronavirus special on Monday 2 March with Independent travel correspondent Simon Calder, Miles said that the ‘vast majority’ are carrying on with their travel plans. He commented: “I’m pleased to say the vast majority, over 99% of people, are just carrying on as normal with their holidays which is absolutely right. It’s a perspective. It’s a matter of looking at just how many people are affected, the areas that are affected, and in the scheme of the world, it’s still very small numbers of people and areas.”

So, as an industry, to help avoid cancelling, what are we doing to support our events going?

Duty of care

We’re all watchful with the latest developments on the news, but it’s important we communicate between ourselves. We want our events to run, and we must be mindful of duty of care to our delegates.

Hotels and venues – are you putting any additional measures in place for appropriate sanitary, health and hygiene to ensure delegates remain vigilant? Let us know if you have anything in place and we’ll share this for you.

WHO event planning guide

The World Health Organization has released an interim guidance on how to deal with Covid-19 outbreak.

Some of the most significant passages include setting up dedicated areas for isolation in the event a participant should develop symptoms during the event. These requests may impact the delicate balance of many events, usually planned months in advance and with set budgets.

These recommendations are in addition to local governments’ requests.

We’re all responsible for ourselves

With IMEX due to take place in May, the organisers currently have no plans to postpone or cancel its show, despite some major events cancelling across Europe in the past few days. They’ve shared that it is a collective responsibility to focus on the facts and to act with common sense and sound judgement, taking the advice of the relevant authorities and scientists. In the words of Gloria Guevara, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), “containing the spread of unnecessary panic is as important as stopping the virus itself.”

Event organisers – get yourself insured!

As much as we don’t want to think in, cancellation might be your only option. We have to listen to what the experts are advising us and act accordingly.

Purchasing event cancellation insurance helps to protect you against financial loss due to a health crisis or disaster such as the current coronavirus. In a recent article on MPI by Maria Lenhart, she discusses the importance of event insurance, especially for those that run events as a revenue stream. Understand what coverage you are purchasing and ensure it covers not only cancellation of the event, but for reduced attendance. There will be a premium to pay for this level of insurance, but if the worst-case scenario was to happen, you might be thankful.

Click here more advice and guidance for event organisers.

Extension in cancellation fees

Marriott International and Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) have both extended their cancellation fee waivers for stays booked in South Korea and Italy, due to the rise in the coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in these countries. Marriott International’s cancellation fee waiver policy also covers Japan.

Melia Hotels draws up post-virus action plan

A post-coronavirus sales and marketing action plan has been prepared by Melia Hotels. The aim is to boost the recovery of hotels that may be affected both in China and elsewhere. The Spanish chain also has a “comprehensive” global contingency plan in place. This includes the preparation and response to public health and safety in all its hotels and offices worldwide, the “continuity of business and operations” as well as legal and financial aspects.

Let’s work together – let’s communicate

As a community, let’s not be afraid of the Coronavirus, but work together to ensure, where feasible, our events can run. If you can’t avoid cancelling an event or do have a big cancellation, let us know. We’ll communicate this across our platform and see if we can support you in filling the space and reduce cancellation fees.

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COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak causes uncertainty throughout the events industry

Working alongside venues, venue bookers and attendees there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation globally. Hotels and venues are working above and beyond to ensure the safety of both staff and guests. They are providing up-to-date information to help both pre and post events.

Last Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a document to help those that are planning large events. Within this document contained key recommendations including preventative measures, risk assessments and crowd density. The document also provides critical guidance if any attendees display any symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus during an event.

The following guidance has been excerpted from the WHO document:

  • Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Include this advice within multilingual informational materials.
  • Soap and water or alcohol hand-sanitizers and tissues should be easily accessible in all common areas.
  • Where possible, event organizers should consider distancing measures to reduce close contact among people during a large event including staggering arrivals and minimising congregations at sanitary stations and food and water distribution areas.

A UK-wide action plan to tackle Coronavirus was agreed by today’s COBRA meeting which was chaired by Boris Johnson. Elements of this action plan will start to appear as early as next week.

Here at EDGE Venues, we will continue to provide relevant updates and be in close contact with those affected within the industry. For event organisers planning an event, please see our advice to help you plan.

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Coronavirus: advice for event organisers

Following the news that Hilton has closed 130 hotels in China, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the hotel chain has now received another blow at their Barcelona venue – The Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, as The Mobile World Congress event has been cancelled. The event was due to be held 24-27 February 2020 and attracts around 100,000 attendees.

EDGE Venues is working closely with the Hilton hotel group by promoting a discounted offer for the Barcelona hotel in the hope of recouping some of the lost business. Working closely with various venues and event organisers, EDGE Venues is providing guidance to the industry to help with clarity and advice on the topic in this time of uncertainty.

Event Cancellations and Postponements

The largest impact that the Coronavirus has had on the events industry is the cancellation of large events. These have been planned years in advance and provide substantial income and temporary jobs. Cancellations are having a knock-on effect in many different sectors, not just the event organisers and venues.

With the coronavirus already affecting numerous events throughout the world, particularly in China and other parts of Asia, many event organisers are now choosing to err on the side of caution and either cancel or postpone events, including those outside Asia.

Subject Knowledge

The events industry, venues, event organisers and event attendees are looking at each other to be a source of advice in this time of uncertainty. It is important to share reliable and up to date information with each other and help those that are affected.

Virtual Meetings

A benefit of conferences and meetings is the chance for attendees to meet face to face and network. But with the current health risk one option is to consider a virtual meeting. This could be a viable alternative in the countries that currently have travel restrictions in place, or those that are worried about a low attendance rate due to the outbreak.

Communication

Communication is extremely important, in the run up to and during an event.

Planners should keep informed about the latest Coronavirus updates and inform attendees accordingly. If the event goes ahead it is advisable that a crisis communication plan is in place, should anyone fall ill.

For further information, check these websites, which are constantly updated with the latest advice:

The situation in the UK

If travelling abroad

World Health Organization advice