Mar 31, 2020
Tuesday, Apr. 14 was meant to be a day for event professionals around the globe to meet in person and celebrate our industry. Last year, 275 Global Meetings Industry Day events spanning six continents and more than 50 countries were held on this international day of advocacy.
In light of COVID-19 meeting restrictions, travel guidance and social distancing policies, the Meetings Mean Business coalition has officially postponed in-person participation in #GMID20. In a statement released on Mar. 31, MMBC announced that its goal is to share a new date as soon as possible, and is considering a… more
Mar 27, 2020
The massive Las Vegas Convention Center project continued to move forward, with construction workers on behalf of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority beginning the extensive process of pouring 600,000 square feet of concrete flooring in the main exhibit hall in the new West Hall expansion.
The process will take between four and five months to complete and is a major step forward in the expansion construction, which is now 77 percent complete.
The 600,000-square-foot exhibit hall features 328,000 square feet of flexible space, the largest in North America.
Upstairs, there’s an… more
Mar 25, 2020
IBTM Events launched a new platform this week called IBTM Connect. The online resource hub is designed as a space for business events professionals to access and share knowledge and practical guidance, increasingly relevant in today’s uncertain world.
According to IBTM officials, the launch is part of a three-step plan to connect exhibitors, hosted buyers and the wider industry as we collectively navigate the impact of COVID-19.
“We recognize that this is an unprecedented period of challenge for our industry and we’re absolutely committed to continuing to provide support and education for… more
Mar 18, 2020
A new report from Tourism Economics shows that the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will have far-reaching consequences for the travel industry. The total economic loss is projected to translate into a total economic loss of $809 billion — more than six times worse than the world experienced post-9/11.
The report predicts that the U.S. economy will lose 4.6 million travel-related jobs as a direct result of the decline in travel, 3.6 million of which are estimated to be directly within the industry. Based on historical precedent, this will push the unemployment rate up to 6.3 percent in the… more
Mar 16, 2020
As of March 15, the CDC is recommending that for the next eight weeks (until at least May 4), all events consisting of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled.
According to the statement: “Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but… more
Mar 12, 2020
Last updated March 14
The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Live Nation and AEG are suspending all concert tours. Schools are closing. Organizations around the country are reacting to the news of COVID-19 by encouraging “social distancing,” and federal, state and local governments are imposing bans on travel and large gatherings — all in the name of halting the spread of the virus.
What this means for event professionals is that in many (and most likely, soon to be nearly all) locations, canceling or postponing an event is not a choice, but a… more
Mar 11, 2020
Another major travel industry conference has been canceled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Previously scheduled for May 12-14 in Germany, IMEX Frankfurt will not go on as planned, according to show officials. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer issued the following letter this morning detailing the cancellation.
Sad to announce IMEX in Frankfurt cancels
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt (due to take place 12-14 May).
We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not… more
Mar 09, 2020
At Convening Leaders in January, PCMA announced a strategic partnership with CEMA. As one of their first joint projects, the two associations have planned a series of interactive webinars to educate the industry on the novel coronavirus, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to react.
“CEMA is proud to partner with PCMA to bring timely and actionable insights on COVID-19 to the event marketing community,” says CEMA President and CEO Kimberley Gishler.
She continues, “The PCMA webinars cover a range of useful topics from scientific fact, to risk management and contractual preparedness,… more
Mar 06, 2020
The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to mass cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news.
IAEE
Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry.
SISO
The Society of Independent Show Organizers is collecting resources and statements here addressing shows that are canceling or rescheduling, as well as news updates directly impacting events.… more
Mar 06, 2020
The following is an open letter dated March 5, 2020, from the leadership of the American Society of Association Executives; Destinations International; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Association of Venue Managers; Meeting Professionals International; PCMA; and the U.S. Travel Association.
We share the concern about the coronavirus and the questions this challenge presents. The health and wellbeing of the public is always paramount. The goal, of course, in any moment of public health concern is to be guided by expert information,… more
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