Editor’s Comment

United we stand

The world as we knew it is no longer! We are now living in the most unusual environment where an invisible threat has taken over our lives.

Covid-19 has brought much uncertainty but at the same time has taught us that we are resilient. The business events sector has been hardest hit by this pandemic and yet, still continues to push through this most difficult time.

The Restart Expo which took place at the end of last month proved that our sector’s greatest asset remains our people and their grit. The event was an opportunity for the collective industry to unite and demonstrate to the authorities how exhibitions and events can take place safely with all the required Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place.

I was so proud to be part of this event and it felt good to reconnect with industry players after all these months. It was strange wearing masks and having to use copious amounts of sanitiser but it was worth it, just to reconnect. One thing it proved is that we, as an industry, are stronger when we are united.

I was disappointed that the Minister of Tourism was unable to attend this event. The Restart Expo proved that the business events sector can operate safely in a controlled environment and is by no means a “mass gathering”. There were representatives from the Department of Tourism, who unfortunately weren’t able to answer the critical questions.

The business events sector was one of the first to shut down alongside tourism and is, unfortunately in many aspects, still shut.

The uncertainty remains and will be with us well into 2021. What I do know is that we need to continue to make a living in Covid-19 times.

As I write this, South Africa has seen another peak in numbers in certain areas. Nelson Mandela Bay is currently one of the hotspot regions and new restrictions have been imposed.

The rest of the country is watching very closely. Unfortunately, this is the problem we face with this pandemic… there is no clear answer as to when a vaccine will be ready; yes, there have been some really positive trials and there is talk that these vaccines will be ready for mass distribution sometime next year.

As I sit here, counting down the hours to my annual holiday, I must say that I wish I had more answers.

However, the one answer I do have is that the business events sector is made up of fighters – we are resilient, we have grit and if anything, Covid-19 has proven to us all that we will prosper again and 2021 will be less scary, as we survived 2020!

As I reflect on this annus horribilis, I’m sitting here wondering what the new year portends?

From the Contact Publications team, I would like to thank you for all your support over this tumultuous year and wish you much more prosperity and certainty in the new year!

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com