NEWSLINE WORLD
Face-To-Face Meetings to Recover in 1-2 Years
Most event professionals believe 1-2 years is a realistic timeframe to recover from COVID-19 following widespread disruption to face-to-face gatherings. A recent poll from leading event technology supplier EventsCase on nearly 500 participants looked to gauge predictions on the industry’s chances of a “full recovery”. The results showed that most professionals (52%) envisage a return to business as usual within the next 1-2 years. Only 28% voted for the next popular choice, 6-12 months, adding to the belief that organisers are prepared to sit tight as winter approaches. A total of 14% predict an even longer recovery period of three years, with only 6% envisaging a rapid turnaround of 1-6 months. The survey closed just prior to the UK government’s announcement that conferences and exhibitions would be allowed from October 1, 2020. However, this is dependent on successful “pilots” referenced in the Prime Minister’s announcement. Commenting on the poll’s findings, Jose Bort, CEO and Co-Founder of EventsCase, said: “It is understandable that many feel it will take us up to two years to repair the damage inflicted by COVID-19. Many events simply cannot happen with the current restrictions, and that has a big impact on the scale that we are trying to recoup. “That being said, we are taking great positivity from all the virtual and hybrid events that could bridge the gap between a pre and post-COVID world. Organisers now have the time and inclination to road-test new formats which make it easy for people to join in remotely. While we don’t expect digital experiences to replace physical gatherings, a combination of the two might help organisers grow their geographical reach and potential audience.” Another poll from EventsCase supported the idea that virtual events will maintain their place in the industry once normal service is resumed. Just over half of the respondents (56%) expected them to evolve “parallel to physical events”, with 34% believing they have the power to become formats in their own right. EventsCase is one of the latest technology suppliers to roll out a series of tools for hosting online-only experiences. After reaching tens of thousands of guests through a number of virtual events, the platform announced its integration with Zoom to facilitate a more seamless user journey for attendees.
ICCA to Offer Cleaning and Hygiene Accreditation for Meetings Industry International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) formed a partnership with The Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) to offer Facility Accreditation Programme and an online course. GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association and ICCA, the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry, will bring essential business reopening resources to ICCA members. ICCA’s members include venues, tourism bureaus, airlines, and other event-related organisations. As part of the agreement, ICCA will promote two GBAC programmes that help facilities and cleaning professionals better prepare for, respond to, and recover from biorisk situations: GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation Programme, which helps public and commercial facilities of all types and sizes set and maintain a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention programme. GBAC Fundamentals Online Course: Cleaning & Disinfection Principles, an e-learning course for cleaning professionals that highlights infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease prevention. “We are pleased to be working with GBAC and their GBAC STAR Accreditation Programme that will encourage and allow our members to operate safely with shared best practices around hygiene. As organisations begin to open again, it is of utmost importance that they do so by showing their commitment to cleanliness during these times. We’re glad to introduce such best practices to our members so that business events can return in the near future,” ICCA CEO, Senthil Gopinath. GBAC STAR accreditation demonstrates that a facility follows the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices necessary in the age of COVID-19. Facilities are encouraged to track their cleaning programme’s progress and set goals for improvement in order to renew their accreditation annually. To date, numerous convention centers, hotels, and destinations have earned or committed to earn GBAC STAR accreditation. The GBAC Fundamentals Online Course: Cleaning & Disinfection Principles educates cleaning professionals on cleaning and disinfection, including infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreak
12 | MeeTurkey | September 2020
