EXSA NEWS

Getting back to the business of exhibitions

With the national department of health working with key role-players in developing a digital Covid-19 vaccine passport and consideration at government level on the banning of non-vaccinated people from public amenities, we are beginning to see some light, following a gruelling 17 months of exhibition industry drought.

By Gill Gibbs, chairperson of EXSA.

Engaging government, stakeholders and decision-makers on how we may best reopen our beloved Industry – through a phased and responsible approach – has been our primary focus and objective.

As an association and moreover, as an industry collective, we have maintained our professionalism and standing amidst – and despite – a decimated sector that was once thriving and vibrant.

As a collective, our professional conduct shows that we may be taken seriously and that we are focused on getting back to doing business in an Industry that we protect, love and serve. For the business of exhibitions, the combination of two powerhouse industry associations, AAXO and EXSA, supported by many professional bodies and individuals, has resulted in a proposal to the special advisor to the minister of CoGTA, of which we, as an exhibition industry collective, may be proud.

It was necessary for us to provide facts, data and a portfolio of evidence, from our international counterparts, to support our cause and motivation for a gazetted, phased approach to reopening exhibitions.

The industry stakeholders have not stopped at exhibitions — on the events side, SACIA and the Event Safety Council (ESC) have effectively engaged the department of sport and have presented their comprehensive proposal for a phased approach reopening.

We will share the feedback as we receive it, as we push for a positive response in the coming days.

Finding the balance

What is needed now, more than ever, is to find the balance — to reopen and support the economy, roll out the digital vaccine passport and to welcome international visitors to provide us with a much-needed boost.

With so many debates (and myths) doing the rounds – to vax or not to vax – education is critical and so too, is data.

Whilst businesses and organisations are considering and implementing vaccine policies for their employees, so too are industry sectors reviewing the same.

Its boils down to our very survival.

Let’s assist one another to make memories on the exhibition and event floor, together again. #GetVaccinated.