The G3 industry association alliance has published the 'Good Practice Guide: Addressing Covid-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events – Version 2'. The G3 alliance is made up of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI).
The Guide builds on the first report published in May and includes 12 mini case-studies and learnings from events which successfully took place during July and August around the world. It follows the series of Covid-19 related publications by the three associations and it is being shared with the respective memberships. The Guide continues to support their work to create conditions and safeguards that will enable the smooth reopening of event activities while observing the needs and expectations of relevant governments and health authorities.
The new Guide complements three earlier publications which were produced and distributed in March, April and May of this year: the Good Practice Guidance to Covid-19 for Convention and Exhibition Centres; the Good Practice Guidance for the Use of Centres as Temporary Emergency Facilities; and the Good Practice Guide: Addressing Covid-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events.
AIPC president, Aloysius Arlando, said: “As demonstrated over the last few months, providing a framework and resources like this Guide are of critical importance when it comes to successfully re-opening for organised events.
“This updated version includes lessons learnt from our members across our global community and some great examples of colleagues who have successfully re-opened for business and are happy to share their experiences with the entire industry. Once again, the G3 proves its strength in collaboration to provide our communities with pertinent information and good case studies that will serve as useful references for us to move to a post-Covid world.”
ICCA president, James Rees, added: “Collaboration and knowledge sharing are the most important drivers of success during challenging times. Our whole industry is built on the premise that coming together for great content and education improves organisations – it is therefore vital we demonstrate that through our own work and our own efforts to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on our sector and emerge stronger than ever. This Guide highlights some of the leading ideas and success stories across our industry in recent months.
"It is a reflection of hard work and perseverance in the face of real difficulties and I recommend it to colleagues around the world. In particular, the case studies show a variety of different approaches and creative ideas to ensure events continue to be a success for all involved. There is something here for everyone, no matter what role they play in the delivery of conferences, congresses and events.”
Mary Larkin, UFI president, and president of Diversified Communications USA, concluded: “Exhibitions and indeed the entire events industry have been among the worst affected by the pandemic. One of the first industries to be shut down in March, many parts of the world are yet to open their doors again. However, getting the green light to open our doors and reopen our events is only the first hurdle we are facing. We need to reassure our visitors and customers that they can be confident in coming to our events, to meet face to face and rebuild their businesses. As a face-to-face industry we always put the safety of our visitors first, and this Guide shows the many ways that as an industry we are working to implement the very best practices to achieve that.”
Following distribution, the partner associations will be scheduling an online event to facilitate the implementation of the guidance provided in this publication and to assist members in interpreting its content into local actions.
To download the Guide, click here.
